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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Certiorari and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Limits on Reviewing Judicial Actions in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court explains when certiorari may question judicial rulings, distinguishing errors of jurisdiction from errors of judgment.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond and Jurisdictional Requirements
Posting an appeal bond is jurisdictional in labor cases. A late bond means no appeal, and the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
When Can the Sandiganbayan Try a Private Citizen? Serana v. Sandiganbayan
A UP student regent was charged with estafa over P15 million in public funds. The Supreme Court ruled the Sandiganbayan had jurisdiction over her and her private co-accused.
Academic Freedom vs Student Rights: Balancing Discipline and Due Process in Higher Education
The Supreme Court balances academic freedom and student rights in De La Salle University v. CA, clarifying due process and CHED jurisdiction.
Taxation Within Special Economic Zones Defining THE Jurisdiction Between Regular Courts AND THE Court OF TAX Appeals
Jurisdiction Limits When Labor Disputes Overshadow Regular Court Actions In Property Disputes
When can a regular court hear a property dispute that stems from a labor case? The Supreme Court settles the jurisdictional boundary.
Ejectment Cases: When Tenancy Claims Do Not Strip Courts of Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising a tenancy defense in ejectment cases does not automatically divest courts of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Probate Jurisdiction and Due Process in Will Allowance: Nittscher v. Nogales
The Supreme Court clarifies probate jurisdiction, forum-shopping rules, and due process in allowing holographic wills and issuing letters testamentary.
Upholding Possessory Rights Ejectment Suit Jurisdiction Prior Possession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment jurisdiction, prior possession, and why a defendant's claim of ownership cannot defeat an unlawful detainer suit.
When Courts and the DARAB Both Have a Say: Fishponds, Tenancy, and Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies how R.A. 7881's exclusion of fishponds from CARP affects tenancy rights and DARAB jurisdiction.
Forcible Entry or Tenancy? How Philippine Courts Decide Jurisdiction in Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a land dispute is a tenancy matter for the DAR and when it is a forcible entry case for the regular courts.
Venue as a Cornerstone of Jurisdiction in Incriminating Innocent Persons Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules and the scope of Article 363, Revised Penal Code, in incriminating innocent persons complaints.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations and Proper Summons in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when foreign corporations are "doing business" and how summons must be served on them.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Courts—Not Agencies—Fix Fair Value
Supreme Court clarifies that RTCs, not DAR adjudicators, have original jurisdiction over just compensation in agrarian expropriation cases.
When Contract Claims Must Yield to the Sandiganbayan: Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets
A contract dispute over sequestered shares belongs to the Sandiganbayan, not the regular courts, when the assets are subject of ill-gotten wealth cases.
Debt-to-Equity Conversions and Stockholder Rights in Sequestered Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that ordinary courts lose jurisdiction over disputes involving sequestered corporations, which must be heard by the Sandiganbayan.
When Government Sequestration Collides With Contractual Obligations Resolving Jurisdictional Disputes
Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities: Who Has Jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court clarifies which body—the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the courts—has jurisdiction over municipal boundary disputes under the Local Government Code.
Surety Bound When Invoking Jurisdiction Estops Later Challenges In Construction Disputes
When a surety invokes CIAC jurisdiction to dismiss a court case, it cannot later challenge that jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court ruling.
Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Ejectment Cases and Land Ownership: When Prior Possession Does Not Bar Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, COSLAP jurisdiction, and Torrens title imprescriptibility in Cayabyab v. Gomez de Aquino.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Ownership Issues In Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs retain jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues arise, resolving only for possession.