Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Defective Summons and Voluntary Appearance: Due Process in Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective extraterritorial summons can be cured by voluntary appearance—and why due process still protects the defendant.
Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction
Explaining when Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over non-resident defendants through personal or extraterritorial service of summons.
Extraterritorial Service of Summons: Due Process for Non-Resident Defendants
Philippine courts must strictly comply with rules on extraterritorial service of summons before declaring non-resident defendants in default.
Special Appearance and Summons: When It Does Not Mean Consent to Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that special appearances to question summons do not waive jurisdictional objections, and substituted service has strict rules.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Entities: Summons and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts validly exercise jurisdiction over foreign corporations? The Banco do Brasil case explains the rules on summons and due process.
Valid Service of Summons in Revival of Judgment Cases: Jurisdiction Lessons from Arcenas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when substituted service of summons is invalid in revival of judgment actions, and why courts must acquire jurisdiction over the defendant.
Philippine Courts and Foreign Defendants: How Voluntary Appearance Can Establish Jurisdiction
A look at Villareal v. CA: when a non-resident defendant voluntarily appears in court, jurisdiction over the person is established.