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.
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Bank Account for a Foreign-Owned Company in the Philippines: How to Open One
Opening a bank account for a foreign-owned company in the Philippines requires SEC registration, a TIN, and a board resolution naming authorized signatories.
Key Clauses in a Philippine Franchise Agreement: What to Review Before Signing
Understand the key clauses in a Philippine franchise agreement, from IP licensing to dispute resolution, and the laws that govern them.
Upholding Arbitration Awards: BCDA v. CJH Development and the Finality of Arbitral Decisions
The Supreme Court affirms that confirmed arbitral awards are immediately executory and cannot be modified on certiorari, reinforcing arbitration as a final dispute resolution mechanism.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Election Overspending Case Due to COMELEC Delay
SC nullifies COMELEC resolutions in election overspending case, ruling that the poll body's six-year delay violated the right to speedy disposition.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: COMELEC's 7-Year Delay Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's resolution against a governor due to a seven-year delay in preliminary investigation, affirming the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Standing to Sue: Examining the Boundaries of Judicial Review in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court dismisses a challenge to COMELEC Resolution No. 9371 on PDL voting, reaffirming the strict requisites of judicial review and locus standi.
Understanding Retroactive Application of Regulatory Resolutions Impact on Electric Cooperatives in the Philipp
This article explains the Supreme Court's ruling on the 120-day period for VAT refund claims and how BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 affects electric cooperatives and taxpayers.
Res Judicata and Stare Decisis: What Unsigned SC Resolutions Mean for Stock Attachment Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that unsigned resolutions bind only the parties, not the public, and cannot establish legal doctrine.
Judicial Stability and Forum Shopping: Lessons from a Landmark COA Disallowance Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal periods in COA disallowance cases and the binding effect of corporate board resolutions on subsidiaries.
Untangling Defamation: Navigating Appeals and Evidence in Honor-Related Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the proper appellate route for prosecutor resolutions and the evidence needed for oral defamation cases.
Joint Resolutions vs Laws: The Ang Nars Ruling on Salary Grades and Legislative Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only bills can become laws, not joint resolutions, in a ruling on nurse salary grades.
Mootness Doctrine When Courts Decline TO Rule After Case Resolution
When courts decline to rule on jurisdiction and other issues raised late in litigation, and why estoppel by laches bars belated objections.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: Reassessing Importation Bans
Explore how the Supreme Court clarified prescription for cyber libel and the doctrinal weight of unsigned resolutions in Philippine law.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on public officials who signed resolutions recommending their own appointments, and the consequences of conflict of interest.
Seafarer Disability Claims Upholding THE Company Doctors Assessment When Dispute Resolution IS Ignored
Judicial Accountability Balancing Efficiency AND DUE Process IN Case Resolution
Contractual Intent Signatures Fine Print AND Dispute Resolution IN Commercial Agreements
Court rules on venue and arbitration clauses in commercial contracts, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual intent and valid signatures.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Corporate President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
Barangay Dispute Resolution Lawyers Barred From Lupon Appearances
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa, preserving the informal, conciliatory character of barangay justice.
THE Right TO DUE Process Ensuring Fair Trial IN Land Dispute Resolutions Within Sharia Courts
Homeowners Association Elections: Clarifying Final Judgments and Upholding Order
Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be clarified in homeowners association election disputes, upholding the Office of the President's clarificatory resolution.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year, Not 15, and Why Unsigned Resolutions Are Not Doctrine
The Supreme Court settles that cyber libel prescribes in one year and clarifies that unsigned resolutions are not binding precedent.
When Court Staff Fail: Accountability for Delayed Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that judges cannot hide behind staff negligence when motions remain unresolved for years.