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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Breach of Contract in Philippine Maritime Law: Dredging Obligations and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on port operator's dredging obligations, liquidated damages, and breach of contract under maritime law.
Seafarer Disability Rights: Consent, Compensation, and the 120/240-Day Rule in Maritime Law
A seafarer's right to consent to medical treatment and how it affects disability claims under Philippine maritime law.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Accident vs Illness in Philippine Maritime Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes accident-based from illness-based seafarer disability claims, and why the third-doctor rule matters.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company Doctor Assessments
Learn how the 240-day rule and company-designated physician assessments determine seafarer disability claims in Philippine maritime law.
When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.
Shared Maritime Tragedy Determining Liability In Collision At Sea
The MV Doña Paz and MT Vector collision case clarifies liability rules for common carriers and vessel owners in Philippine maritime law.
Seafarer Status Contractual Employment AND Security OF TENURE IN Philippine Maritime LAW
The Supreme Court rules that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees, even after decades of continuous rehiring.
Affidavit Ambiguity in Manning Agency Liability: A Philippine Maritime Law Lesson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how ambiguous affidavits of undertaking by manning agents should be interpreted in maritime claims.
Shipowner's Limited Liability Rule in Philippine Maritime Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limited liability rule for shipowners in the Philippines, clarifying how the doctrine applies when vessels sink.
Voyage Charterer Liability in Maritime Collisions: Philippine Law Explained
When is a voyage charterer liable for a vessel collision? The Caltex v. Sulpicio Lines ruling clarifies charterer duties under Philippine maritime law.
Protecting Seafarers From Illegal Dismissal: Employer Burden of Proof in Philippine Maritime Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal and what employers must prove to justify early repatriation.
Maritime Negligence and Liability Lessons From the Don Juan Tragedy
The Don Juan tragedy teaches key Philippine maritime law lessons on carrier liability, passenger proof, and damages.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.