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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Navigating Disability Claims: Why Comprehensive Medical Assessments Matter for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits highlights why complete, final medical assessments are crucial in maritime compensation claims.
Environmental Compliance and Impact Assessments in Reclamation Projects: The Villar v. Alltech Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan suffices for reclamation projects and the limits of the writ of kalikasan.
Mastering Tax Assessments: The Timeliness and Validity of Protests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects taxpayers' due process rights when BIR reassigns revenue officers mid-audit without a new Letter of Authority.
Due Process in Tax Assessments: Insights from the Yumex Philippines Case
The Supreme Court nullified a deficiency tax assessment for lack of due process. Learn the procedural rules from this landmark case.
Understanding TAX Assessments THE Importance OF Clear Factual Basis IN Philippine TAX Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax assessments must rest on solid factual grounds, not mere assumptions, to be valid and enforceable.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Importance of Timely Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that seafarers must receive a copy of the company doctor's final disability assessment within 120 or 240 days, or they may be deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Navigating Tax Assessments: Understanding the Limits of Declaratory Relief in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when declaratory relief cannot be used to challenge tax assessments, reinforcing the rule against enjoining tax collection.
Total and Permanent Disability: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A seafarer won total disability benefits because the company doctor's assessment was never given to him. Learn the rules.
Navigating Disability Benefits: The Importance of Medical Assessments for Seafarers
A look at United Philippine Lines v. Ramos, where the Supreme Court ruled on seafarers' disability benefits and the crucial role of proper medical assessment.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Timely Medical Notification Matters
A seafarer's disability claim can hinge on proper medical reporting. Learn the notification rules and 240-day assessment period.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Concealment Claims Fail and How to Claim Compensation
Learn when a seafarer can still claim disability benefits despite alleged concealment, and why the company-designated physician's final assessment matters.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Importance of Timely Appeals in the Philippines
Learn why timing matters in Philippine tax disputes and how missing an appeal deadline can forfeit a taxpayer's right to challenge an assessment.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Res Judicata and Medical Assessments Under POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed seafarer claim bars a later disability suit, and how conflicting medical opinions are resolved.
Navigating Excise Tax Refunds: The Two-Year Prescriptive Period in the Philippines
Understand the two-year prescriptive period for excise tax refunds in the Philippines and how the Supreme Court applies procedural rules in customs assessments.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Doctor's Assessment Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent despite a company doctor's partial disability rating.
When a Company Doctor's Delay Makes a Seafarer's Disability Total and Permanent
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Solvang Philippines: a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment makes a seafarer's injury total and permanent.
Real Property Tax on IPP Power Facilities: EO 173 Condonation and Valid Assessments
Supreme Court clarifies that IPP power facilities under BOT contracts with GOCCs may qualify for EO 173 real property tax reduction and condonation.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights From a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers can claim total disability benefits, emphasizing the weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Navigating Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Blue Manila v. Jamias
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims when company doctors fail to give complete medical assessments.
Local Tax Refund Requisites and Procedures for Contesting Assessments
Learn the requisites for local tax refunds and the proper procedure for contesting local tax assessments in the Philippines.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Validity of Letters of Authority in the Philippines
Learn when a BIR Letter of Authority becomes invalid, the 30-day and 120-day rules, and how the Supreme Court ruled in AFP General Insurance.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule in the Philippines
Understand the mandatory third doctor rule in Philippine seafarer disability claims and why company physician assessments prevail when the rule is ignored.
Understanding Tax Assessment and Collection Prescription: The BPI Case
The Supreme Court's BPI ruling explains when the BIR loses the right to assess and collect deficiency taxes—key lessons for taxpayers.
Understanding the Difference Between Tax Assessments and Compliance Notices in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies why not all BIR notices are tax assessments, and what this means for taxpayers facing compliance letters.