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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Navigating Beneficiary Designation in Life Insurance: A Guide for Policyholders
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when beneficiary changes in life insurance take effect, and why insurer internal rules cannot override policy terms.
Contempt of Court and the Limits of Reconsideration: Lessons from Fortune Life Insurance v. COA
The Supreme Court penalizes a litigant and counsel for disrespectful language in pleadings and clarifies the strict rules on second motions for reconsideration.
When a Reinstated Life Insurance Policy Becomes Incontestable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the two-year contestability period runs after a life insurance policy is reinstated.
When a Reinstated Life Insurance Policy Becomes Incontestable: Insular Life v. Khu
Explaining when the two-year contestability period for a reinstated life insurance policy begins, and how ambiguous insurance documents are construed against the insurer.
Procedural Rigidity vs Substantial Justice: Navigating the Rules of Court in COA Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on Fortune Life Insurance clarifies why strict compliance with Rule 64 deadlines and proof of service requirements is mandatory in COA appeals.
Renewed Policies, Renewed Taxes: DST on Life Insurance Increases
Supreme Court rules documentary stamp tax applies to renewed life insurance policies and additional group members, not just original issuance.
Insurance Policy Lapses Reinstatement Approval Required Before Death
A lapsed life insurance policy requires company approval during the insured's lifetime for reinstatement; payment alone is not enough.
Insurance Proceeds and Illicit Relationships: Who Gets the Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court rules on who receives life insurance proceeds when beneficiaries are children from an illicit relationship.
Insurer's Inaction on Insurance Application: When Silence Means Approval
Supreme Court rules insurer's prolonged inaction on a group life insurance application amounts to approval, protecting insured parties from prejudice.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Exempt from Premium Tax and DST
Supreme Court rules mutual life insurance companies are cooperatives exempt from premium tax and documentary stamp tax without CDA registration.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Tax Exemption as Cooperatives Explained
Supreme Court ruling on Sun Life clarifies tax exemption for mutual life insurance companies as cooperatives under Philippine tax law.
Protecting Your Insurance Claim Why Death Certificates Matter IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a death certificate is strong evidence in life insurance claims, and what this means for beneficiaries.
Life Insurance Contracts: When Does an Application Become a Binding Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a life insurance application becomes a binding contract, using Perez v. BF Lifeman as guide.