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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Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay and Misconduct Claims Against Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delay and misconduct, and when complaints merely substitute for lost judicial remedies.
When a Motion to Dismiss Fails: Bad Faith and Trust Claims Must Go to Trial
The Supreme Court clarifies that allegations of bad faith and implied trust cannot be resolved in a motion to dismiss but require full trial.
When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Timely Medical Assessments FOR Fair Compensation
Zero-Rated Sales: Strict Invoicing Requirements for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: failure to comply with invoicing requirements is fatal to VAT refund claims. Learn the strict rules.
Rehabilitation Proceedings and Claims: When a Stay Order Bars Separate Collection Suits
A Supreme Court ruling explains how corporate rehabilitation stay orders bar separate collection suits and bind creditors to approved rehabilitation plans.
Cross-Claims Survive Dismissal of Main Complaint Through Compromise Settlements
When a main complaint is dismissed via compromise, cross-claims among co-defendants may still proceed. The Supreme Court explains why.
Writ of Possession Stays Ministerial Despite Foreclosure Irregularity Claims
Explaining when courts must issue writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures, and when objections may be raised.
Upholding Client Confidentiality When Prior Representation Bars Subsequent Claims
A lawyer who sued a former client for a new client violated the duty against conflicting interests, earning a one-year suspension.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Fit-to-Work Declaration Comes Too Late
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's temporary total disability becomes permanent once the 240-day treatment period lapses without a valid fitness declaration.
Torrens Title vs. Claim of Ownership: Indefeasibility and Rightful Possession
A registered Torrens title is indefeasible and best proves ownership. Learn how courts treat claims against it in possession disputes.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Claims of Illegal Arrest and Lack of Counsel
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that illegal arrest claims are waived if not raised before plea, and that police line-ups are not part of custodial investigation.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers’ Disability Claims: Proving the Causal Link
Seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove work-relatedness, not just illness during employment. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden.
Upholding Agreements: The Decisive Impact of Admitted Extensions in Maritime Claims
How a carrier's failure to specifically deny an agreed extension period can defeat a prescription defense in maritime cargo claims.
THE 120 DAY Rule Seafarers Disability Claims AND Premature Lawsuits
Acquisitive Prescription vs Torrens Title: Proving Land Registration Claims in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into private ownership and registration under the Property Registration Decree.
False Declarations in Insurance Claims: When Fraud Voids a Fire Policy
The Supreme Court voided a P50-million fire insurance claim after finding the insured padded its losses, showing how false declarations forfeit policy benefits.
Defining Agrarian Disputes When Land Ownership Claims Fall Outside DARAB Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that ownership disputes over land, absent tenurial arrangements, are not agrarian disputes and belong to regular courts.
Equitable Mortgage Claims: Proving Intent Beyond Bare Allegations
Supreme Court clarifies when a sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under Article 1602, stressing evidence over allegations in property disputes.
CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Employer Faces Solidary Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable for the claims of workers hired through a labor-only contractor.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company-Designated Physicians
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and the binding weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Government Funds and Legal Claims: Understanding COA's Jurisdiction Over UP
Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against UP must first be filed with the Commission on Audit before execution can proceed.
Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Ison v. Crewserve
SC rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment prevails over belated, unsupported certifications from seafarer's own doctors in disability claims.