Legal Insights

Diminution of Benefits and Company Practice in Retirement Claims: The Vergara Case

When does a benefit become a company practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-diminution of benefits in retirement claims.

Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.

Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Prescriptive Periods and Equitable Estoppel in Philippine Tax Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-year prescriptive period for VAT refund claims and the mandatory 120-day waiting period before judicial appeal.

Stare Decisis in Indigenous Land Claims: Upholding Prior Rulings on the Busol Watershed

The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to reverse an injunction favoring indigenous land claims in the Busol Watershed, following an earlier ruling.

Accommodation Mortgages: Validity Upheld Despite Claims of Fraud

When is a real estate mortgage valid despite claims of fraud? The Supreme Court explains accommodation mortgages and the burden of proof.

Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: When Arrastre Operators Escape Liability

Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims, the burden of proof, and when arrastre operators may avoid liability.

Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility

A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.

Protecting Seafarers: Upholding Disability Claims Despite Company Doctor's Assessment

Supreme Court rules seafarers can dispute company-designated physician's fitness assessment with independent medical evidence, protecting their disability claims.

Retrenchment Validity: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Security of Tenure

The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid retrenchment and when quitclaims bar illegal dismissal claims in Pepsi-Cola v. Molon.

VAT Refund Deadlines: San Roque Doctrine on the 120-Day Rule and Judicial Claims

The Supreme Court's San Roque ruling clarifies the mandatory 120-day period for VAT refund claims and its exceptions.

Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Ownership Claims

In ejectment cases, actual possession beats paper title. The Supreme Court explains why forcible entry is about possession de facto, not ownership.

Claims Against a Deceased's Estate: Quasi-Contracts and Rule 86 Explained

When must a claim against a deceased person's estate be filed in estate settlement proceedings? The Supreme Court clarifies in Metrobank v. Absolute Management.

Causal Connection in Seafarer Death Claims: Proving the Link Between Injury and Fatality

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for death compensation claims in seafarer cases, requiring substantial proof of causation.

Vehicular Manslaughter and the Limits of Self-Defense: Analyzing Criminal Intent in Complex Crimes

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts weigh criminal intent, self-defense claims, and qualifying circumstances in complex crimes.

Seafarers Disability Claims Strict Compliance With POEA SEC Requirements

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must strictly comply with POEA-SEC disability claim procedures, including the 3-day post-employment medical examination rule.

Seafarers' Rights: Timely Medical Exams and Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC

A seafarer's disability claim survives if the employer fails to provide timely post-employment medical examination, as ruled in Career Philippines v. Serna.

Unraveling Sequestration When Government Claims Meet Private Property Rights IN THE Philippines

The Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Migrant Workers Act, including illegal recruitment penalties and the joint liability rule for corporate officers.

Verification Matters: Why Unverified Labor Claims Get Dismissed

Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed 99 workers' labor claims for lack of proper verification in Martos v. New San Jose Builders.

Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Physician Assessments IN THE Absence OF Clear Contradictory Evidence

Construction Contract Disputes: Owner's Change Orders Justify Contractor's Delay in Payment Claims

Philippine Supreme Court rules contractor entitled to payment despite delays caused by owner's change orders and additional works.

Wage Deductions VS Post Employment Claims Protecting Employee Rights

Learn how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in wage deductions, labor-only contracting, and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.

Mandatory Arbitration Prevails Upholding CBA Provisions IN Seafarer Disability Claims

Banks Duty TO Depositors VS Third Party Claims Navigating Conflicting Interests

Seafarers Rights Establishing Work Relatedness IN Illness Claims