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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When Self-Defense Claims Fall Short: The Miranda Case on Unlawful Aggression
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how a victim's provocation can still mitigate criminal liability in Philippine law.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict 120+30 Day Rule Under the Tax Code
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict 120+30 day VAT refund appeal deadlines; late judicial claims are jurisdictionally fatal.
Priority of Title: Resolving Conflicting Land Ownership Claims in the Philippines
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. The Supreme Court explains the rule in Aquino v. Estate of Aguirre.
Informing Seafarers: The Cornerstone of Due Process in Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing due process and the necessity of informing seafarers of their rights and options.
Deposit Insurance Claims Upholding Pdic Authority AND Defining Course OF Business
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation's regulatory authority over bank operations and the definition of "course of business" in deposit insurance claim
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Seafarers Disability Claims Balancing Company Doctors Opinion AND Seafarers Rights
Contractual Integrity vs. Eminent Domain: The Limits of Interest Claims in Negotiated Land Sales
When the government buys land through a negotiated sale, the deed governs—interest claims not in the contract are barred.
Title Disputes: Upholding Title Regularity Over Unsubstantiated Fraud Claims in Land Reconveyance
Philippine Supreme Court rules bare allegations of fraud cannot defeat a certificate of title's presumption of regularity in reconveyance actions.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Binding Effect of the Company Physician's Fitness Certification
When a seafarer disagrees with the company physician's fitness assessment, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Skipping this step can doom a disability claim.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury and Timelines
Learn when seafarers can claim disability benefits, the burden of proof for work-related injury, and why timelines matter in compensation claims.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury is work-related and compensable, and why bare allegations fail.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's "Fit to Work" Ruling Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer gets total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
VAT Refund Claims Navigating THE Timelines FOR Zero Rated Sales Under Philippine LAW
Good Faith IN Property Sales Protecting Buyers Without Notice OF Claims
Finality Prevails: Annulment of Judgment Barred by Laches in Forcible Entry Case
Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in seeking annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring the remedy despite claims of lack of jurisdiction.
Laches and Jurisdiction: Upholding Final Judgments in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in filing an annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring property claims.
Finality of Judgment vs Due Process: Balancing Legal Principles in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when finality of judgment prevails over due process claims in labor cases, citing Citibank v. Andres.
Reinstating Attorney's Fees in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Horlador Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates 10% attorney's fees for seafarers who win permanent total disability claims, reinforcing protective labor policy.
Burden of Proof in Quasi-Delict Claims: Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on negligence, quasi-delict liability, and evidentiary standards in a vehicular accident insurance subrogation case.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule and Compensation
Learn how the mandatory third doctor rule under the POEA-SEC affects seafarer disability claims and compensation in the Philippines.
Unjust Enrichment Claims and the Burden of Proving Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims, evidentiary rules for private documents, and notarized affidavits in civil cases.