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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Standing to Sue, Heirs' Rights, and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration, heirs' rights, and the standing of the Republic to oppose property claims.
Establishing Filiation: The Complexities of Inheritance Rights for Illegitimate Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how illegitimate children prove filiation and inherit, and why unprobated wills fail in estate claims.
Insurance Claim Denied for Drunk Driver: Proving Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when insurers may deny claims due to driver intoxication and the evidence required.
Local Tax Refund Claims: Timeliness and Jurisdiction Under Section 195 LGC
Strict deadlines and the right court matter in local tax refund claims. China Banking Corp. v. City Treasurer of Manila explains why.
Trust or Time: Prescription in Disputes Over Inherited Shares
Supreme Court clarifies when prescription and laches may bar claims over shares held in implied trust, remanding Dy Sun-Ong v. Dy Sun for trial.
Intoxication and Insurance Claims: Proving Driver Intoxication to Avoid Liability
The Supreme Court held that an insurer cannot deny an insurance claim by merely alleging driver intoxication without clear, credible, and convincing evidence.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Weight of Company-Designated Physician Assessments
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the company-designated physician's assessment and timely procedures under the POEA-SEC.
Writ of Possession, Third-Party Claims, and Redemption Rights in Property Disputes
A writ of possession cannot evict third parties holding property adversely to the judgment obligor. Explaining Sio Tiat King v. Lim.
Liability IN Shipping Pinewood Marine Clarifies Agents Responsibility FOR Cargo Claims
Seafarers Disability Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing company doctor assessments prevail absent third-doctor review under CBA.
Unproven Claims When Government Contracts Lack Evidence Of Delivery
Supreme Court affirms COA denial of P63M textbook claim for lack of proof of delivery and appropriation.
Registered-Owner Rule in Bus Accidents: Liability and Cross-Claims Explained
Learn how the registered-owner rule makes bus owners liable for accidents, and how they can recover via cross-claims.
Res Judicata in Property Recovery Cases: What the Supreme Court's Lee v. Chong Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how res judicata bars repeated claims over the same property, even when a new case is framed differently.
Insurance Subrogation Claims: When the Supreme Court Refuses to Re-Examine Facts
SC affirms insurer's subrogation claim against negligent driver and owner, clarifying when factual findings bind the Court.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Second Marriages and SSS Benefits: Proving Legal Spousal Status for Social Security Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that only a legal spouse qualifies for SSS death benefits, even if the member designated a second wife as beneficiary.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Ownership by Clear and Convincing Evidence
A look at Ibot v. Heirs of Tayco, where the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof in reconveyance actions and the limits of Torrens title challenges.
VAT Refund Denials: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims: strict invoicing rules, including the "zero-rated" imprint, determine success.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
Untimely VAT Refund Claims Strict Adherence To Prescriptive Periods
The Supreme Court clarifies strict prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims, denying Northern Mindanao Power Corporation's petition for late and premature filings.
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Protection Orders and Marital Discord: Balancing Rights and Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 operate amid marital disputes, custody battles, and claims of compromise.