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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Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification controls absent a third-doctor review.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Belated Filing of Non-Forum Shopping Certification
The Supreme Court clarifies when belated filing of a certification against forum shopping may be excused in land registration cases.
Substantial Compliance and Corporate Authority in Forum Shopping Certifications: A Philippine Guide
Explains when a belated secretary's certificate can cure a defective corporate verification in Philippine court petitions, citing the YMCA v. Remington ruling.
Litigating as an Indigent: Docket Fees, Forum Shopping, and Contempt in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies indigent litigant rules, forum shopping certification, and contempt in Tokio Marine v. Valdez.
Judicial Accountability: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Undue Delay and Misconduct
Supreme Court holds retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding 23 cases and clerk of court for issuing false certification.
Proof of Alienability Required: Land Registration Denied Without Government Certification
Supreme Court denies land registration where applicant failed to prove the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Forum Shopping Certification and Verification Defects: Strict Compliance in Philippine Courts
A defective certification against forum shopping and verification can get a petition dismissed. Learn the strict rules from Gabriel v. Court of Appeals.
Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.
VAT Refund Claims: Why Purchase Invoices and Receipts Must Be Submitted
The Supreme Court held that summaries and CPA certifications cannot replace pre-marked purchase invoices and receipts in claims for refund of excess input VAT.
Defective Verification and Forum Shopping Certification: Why Court Petitions Can Be Dismissed
Learn why defective verification and certification of non-forum shopping can lead to dismissal of court petitions, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Certiorari Dismissed: Defective Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping
A Rule 65 petition signed by only one of two petitioners, without authority for the other,
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The Corporate Authorization Requirement
Corporate plaintiffs must authorize their signatories to execute certifications against forum shopping, or risk dismissal of their cases.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How to Avoid Dismissal of Your Case
Learn what forum shopping means in Philippine law, its elements, and how to avoid case dismissal through proper certification and disclosure.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Backfire
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping, why filing multiple cases over the same dispute can get a case dismissed, and what the certification against forum shopping requires.
Commingling and Certification Elections: Navigating Union Affiliations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commingling of rank-and-file and supervisory union officers bars separate certification elections.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Reinstating Appeals Despite Technical Defects
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective certifications against forum shopping may be excused in appeals, balancing procedural rules with substantial justice.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why the Principal Party Must Sign and When Courts Relax the Rule
Philippine courts require the principal party to sign the certification against forum shopping. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and practical lessons from Abaigar v. Abaigar.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: When Multiple Filings Cross the Line
Learn the Philippine rule against forum shopping, why the certification must be signed by the party, and when courts may relax it.
Authority to Sign Certification Against Forum Shopping in Corporate Litigation
Who may sign the certification against forum shopping in corporate cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on authority and false certifications.
Union Decertification Mixed Membership Alone Insufficient Grounds
Counterclaims and Forum Shopping: Why No Certification Is Needed for Defenses
Learn when a forum shopping certification is required in Philippine civil cases—and why counterclaims and defenses are exempt under the rules.
Dismissed on a Technicality: Why Your Signature Matters in Certifications Against Forum Shopping
A petition can be dismissed outright if a lawyer signs the certification against forum shopping. Learn the rule and how to avoid this fatal defect.
Lost Your Case ON A Technicality Understanding Verification AND Certification IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to verify a petition or certify against forum shopping can end a case before it begins.
Verification and Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Why Your Personal Signature Matters
A party must personally sign the verification and certification against forum shopping; a lawyer's signature, even with an SPA, may be fatal.