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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Accident Insurance Claims in the Philippines: Proving Entitlement and Avoiding Denial
The Supreme Court clarifies how insured persons can prove accident insurance claims and when insurers face liability for wrongful denial.
Insurance Claims and Excluded Risks: Understanding Insurrection and Rebellion
When do violent attacks fall under excluded insurance risks like insurrection or rebellion? The Supreme Court clarifies in Platinum Group Metals Corp. v. Mercantile Insurance.
One-Year Prescription Period for Insurance Claims: The Alpha Plus Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Alpha Plus ruling clarifies the one-year prescription period for insurance claims and why timing matters.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Disputes: Court of Appeals Has Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions questioning PDIC denials of deposit insurance claims must be filed with the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Deposit Insurance Claims Upholding Pdic Authority AND Defining Course OF Business
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation's regulatory authority over bank operations and the definition of "course of business" in deposit insurance claim
Probable Cause in Deposit Insurance Claims: Lessons from PDIC v. Gidwani
The Supreme Court reinstates probable cause findings against Manu Gidwani for estafa and money laundering, clarifying standards for preliminary investigations in deposit insurance fraud cases.
Where to File Certiorari Against PDIC Decisions on Deposit Insurance Claims
Learn where to file certiorari against PDIC decisions on deposit insurance claims, and what makes a deposit insurable under Philippine law.
Intoxication and Insurance Claims: Proving Driver Intoxication to Avoid Liability
The Supreme Court held that an insurer cannot deny an insurance claim by merely alleging driver intoxication without clear, credible, and convincing evidence.
Substantial Justice Prevails: Recantation and Forum Shopping in Health Insurance Claims
Supreme Court rules procedural technicalities yield to substantial justice in PhilHealth accreditation dispute involving recanted patient statement.
Rehabilitation Courts Have Limited Jurisdiction Over Insurance Claims of Corporate Debtors
Supreme Court clarifies that rehabilitation courts cannot adjudicate insurance claims filed by the distressed company against its insurers.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.
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.
Estoppel by Silence in Philippine Insurance Law: When a Bank's Silence Speaks Volumes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estoppel by silence, bank liability for unpaid insurance premiums, and corporate veil in insurance claims.
Arson Proven by Circumstantial Evidence: Insurance Claims and Intent
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence, including over-insurance, can prove destructive arson beyond reasonable doubt.
Suing Your Security Agency After a Robbery: The Post-Robbery Agreement Rule
When can a bank sue its security agency after a robbery? The Supreme Court explains post-robbery agreements and insurance claims.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Burden of Proof in Insurance Claims: Insurers Must Prove Policy Exclusions Apply
When an insurer denies a claim citing a policy exclusion, Philippine law requires the insurer to prove the exception applies—mere suspicion is not enough.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Prescription in Insurance Claims: When Does the Clock Really Start Ticking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for insurance claims begins, protecting policyholders from delayed denial.
Authenticating Evidence When Hearsay Testimony Undermines Insurance Claims
A Supreme Court ruling on hearsay and unauthenticated documents in a default judgment, and its impact on insurance claims.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Public Interest and Court Discretion in Insurance Claims
When can a winning party execute a judgment while the appeal is pending? The Supreme Court explains the "good reasons" standard in this insurance dispute.
Who Pays When Rebellion Sparks Insurance Claims: Burden of Proof on Insurers
When fire destroys insured property, who must prove the cause? The Supreme Court clarifies insurers' burden in rebellion-related claims.
Upholding Insurance Claims Substantial Compliance AND Timely Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance with insurance policy conditions and the insurer's duty to pay claims within prescribed periods.