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.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Non-Payment of Premium and Insurance Coverage Validity: The Gaisano Case
When is an insurance policy valid? The Supreme Court clarifies that non-payment of premium before loss means no coverage.
Corporate Responsibility Enforcing Contracts Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court clarifies corporate rehabilitation rules, HLURB receiver requests, and 180-day plan approval periods in Lexber v. Dalman.
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.
Health Care Agreements vs Insurance Contracts: The Incontestability Clause Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that health care agreements are insurance contracts, so the incontestability clause applies to HMOs.
Injunction Bonds and Due Process: What Philippine Sureties Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when injunction bond sureties are liable and what due process requires before damages are awarded against them.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.