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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When Onboard Recreation Becomes Work-Related: Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when injuries from onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC and the Bunkhouse Rule.
Prescription Periods and Missing Seafarers: How Employer Actions Can Extend Your Claim for Death Benefits
Learn how employer negligence and concealment can extend prescription periods for seafarer death benefit claims in the Philippines.
Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal: The 4-Year Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three. Learn the rule and how refiling a case interrupts prescription.
Prescription in Fraud Claims: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
When does the prescriptive period for fraud claims begin? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent decision.
When a General Manager Is Not a Corporate Officer: Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is really an employee, and who has jurisdiction over dismissal disputes.
Establishing Filiation A Prerequisite FOR Child Support Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine law requires proof of filiation before child support can be claimed. Learn the rules and legal process.
Small Claims Deadlines Are Mandatory: What Judges and Litigants Must Know
A judge's five-day deadline to decide small claims cases is mandatory, not flexible, the Supreme Court ruled. Learn the rules.
Supreme Court: Five-Day Rule for Small Claims Is Mandatory, Not Flexible
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the five-day period to decide small claims cases is mandatory, not a flexible guideline.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Land Identity Under Article 434 of the Civil Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance actions: claimants must prove land identity and title. Learn the requirements under Article 434.
Luga v. Arciaga: Land Ownership, Tolerance, and the Limits of Possession Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated occupancy defeats a claim of ownership by adverse possession in Luga v. Arciaga.
Census Is King: Priority Rights Yield to Actual Occupancy in Philippine Housing Projects
In ZIP housing projects, the official census and tagging determine who gets the lot—not priority certificates or prior possession claims.
Laches and Land Disputes: Registered Title Prevails Over Delayed Claims
When a land judgment becomes final, it is immutable. The Supreme Court explains why registered titles cannot be overturned by belated claims.
Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Courts Require Clear and Convincing Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims in murder cases, and why credible prosecution evidence can outweigh an accused's uncorroborated testimony.
Delayed Payment Claims and COA Audit Powers: The Lotrim Construction Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the strict application of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Irrevocable Choice: Tax Credit Carry-Over and Refund Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess tax credit bars refund claims, but the credit can be used indefinitely.
Protecting Your Property From Confiscation: Third Party Claims in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how third parties can protect property from confiscation in Philippine criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sea Lion Fishing Corporation.
When Quitclaims and Waivers Over Agrarian Land Are Void: Lessons from Lebrudo v. Loyola
Philippine Supreme Court explains when waivers over agrarian reform land are void, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from losing their awarded property.
Judicial Conduct: Proving Misconduct Claims Against Judges in the Philippines
A look at the evidentiary standard for administrative complaints against judges, explained through the case of Datoon v. Judge Kapili.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Dismissal and the Employer's Burden of Proof
When an employer claims abandonment or habitual absenteeism, it bears the burden of proof. This case explains why.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retrenchment is valid, how waivers and quitclaims are tested, and what happens when the required DOLE notice is late.
Protecting Marital Assets When Corporate Debt Cannot Seize Family Property
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate debts cannot reach family property, and the proper remedy for third-party claims in labor execution.
Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity in Wrongful Death Claims: The Roberto Lopez Case
The Supreme Court in People v. Lopez clarifies the formula for computing loss of earning capacity in wrongful death cases.