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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Warsaw Convention Limits Philippine Courts' Jurisdiction Over International Air Travel Claims
Philippine courts lack jurisdiction over claims arising from international flights under the Warsaw Convention, as shown in Lhuillier v. British Airways.
One Title, One Truth: Resolving Conflicting Claims in the Maysilo Estate Saga
The Supreme Court resolves a decades-old land dispute, affirming that only one OCT No. 994 exists and dismissing a petition for mandamus.
Withdrawal of Application Can Overcome Misrepresentation Claims in Overseas Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a worker's withdrawal of application defeats claims of misrepresentation and non-issuance of receipts against recruitment agencies.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
VAT Refund Denied for Failure to Print "Zero-Rated" on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to print "zero-rated" on sales invoices bars VAT refund claims, even for exporters.
Work Related Illness Proving Increased Risk FOR Compensation Claims
The Limits of Self-Defense: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Homicide Cases
Explore how Philippine courts require clear proof of unlawful aggression for self-defense claims, using a 2010 murder case as guide.
Adverse Claims and Execution Liens: Priority Rules in Philippine Property Law
When an adverse claim is annotated on a title before a levy on execution, the earlier claim prevails. This case explains the priority rule.
Clean Hands Doctrine Bars Relief in Alleged Illegal Land Ownership Case
Philippine Supreme Court applies clean hands doctrine to deny claims based on alleged illegal foreign land ownership arrangements.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Legal Malice and Probable Cause in Damage Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that winning a criminal case dismissal does not automatically justify a malicious prosecution claim for damages.
Holiday Pay on Rest Days: Clarifying CBA Interpretation for Daily Paid Employees
A Supreme Court ruling on holiday pay for daily-paid workers on rest days, clarifying how collective bargaining agreements and labor rules apply to premium pay claims.
Foreshore Land Claims: Proving Ownership Against Government Reversion Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the government can cancel free patents over alleged foreshore lands, and the burden of proof in reversion cases.
Prescription and Marital Consent: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches can bar claims over conjugal property sold without the wife's consent.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Diligence in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available, emphasizing due diligence and the limits of extrinsic fraud claims.
VAT Refund on Capital Goods: Strict Rules on Depreciable Assets
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for VAT refund claims on capital goods, emphasizing proper accounting treatment as depreciable assets.
Proving Open Continuous Possession in Land Registration: The Wee Case
Land registration requires well-nigh incontrovertible evidence of open, continuous possession since 1945. The Wee case explains why tax declarations and bare claims fail.
Final Judgments and the Law of the Case: Why Courts Cannot Reopen Settled Land Registration Claims
A look at how the doctrine of finality and the law of the case prevent relitigation, using a land registration case as a guide.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Clear Terms Prevail Over External Claims
The Supreme Court affirms a rehabilitation plan over creditor objections and allows foreclosure of an accommodation mortgagor's property outside the stay order.
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers Avoiding Misleading Claims AND Upholding Court Dignity
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense claims, focusing on the indispensable element of unlawful aggression, from People v. Aburque.
Optional Retirement: When Employer Discretion Prevails Over Employee Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirement benefits under a company gratuity plan remain subject to employer discretion, not a matter of right.
When a Request for a Raise Leads to a Lawsuit: Proving Abandonment in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A forklift operator's request for regularization and better pay led to termination, sparking a landmark case on fixed-term contracts and quitclaims.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA Contract
Explaining when seafarers can claim disability benefits under the POEA Standard Contract, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Bandila Maritime v. Dubduban.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: Proving Loss and Valid Insurance Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims: insurer must prove actual loss and valid policy coverage to recover from carriers.