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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Cargo Damage and Loss Claims in the Philippines: Your Rights Against a Domestic Ship Operator
Learn how to pursue a cargo damage claim in the Philippines, including the ship operator's compulsory insurance coverage and MARINA complaint remedies.
Bareboat Charter in the Philippines: Registration and Rules Under RA 9295
Understand bareboat charter in the Philippines, how chartered vessels are registered with MARINA, and the rules on foreign vessels under RA 9295.
Shipbuilding and Repair Contracts in the Philippines: Key Protections
Understand shipbuilding and ship repair contracts in the Philippines under Republic Act No. 9295, from MARINA accreditation to VAT incentives and vessel import rules.
Ship Mortgage Registration in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how ship mortgage registration in the Philippines works, from MARINA vessel registration to recording the mortgage and protecting your security interest.
Ship Repair Contract Philippines: Rules for Shipyards and Vessel Owners
A ship repair contract in the Philippines is governed by Republic Act No. 9295, which defines ship repair and regulates MARINA-registered ship repairers.
Maritime Lien and Vessel Arrest in the Philippines: How Claims Are Enforced
Maritime lien and vessel arrest in the Philippines explained: how ship creditors enforce claims, what MARINA regulates, and why you need a lawyer.
Vessel Transfer of Ownership in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring vessel ownership in the Philippines requires MARINA approval and updated registration. Here is the step-by-step process for domestic ship transfers.
Port and Terminal Operations Regulation in the Philippines: A Guide to MARINA Rules
Port operations regulation in the Philippines is governed by MARINA under the Domestic Shipping Development Act. Learn the rules on CPCs, safety, and rates.
Maritime Labor Standards in the Philippines: How Seafarers Are Trained, Certified and Protected
Maritime labor standards in the Philippines cover STCW training, MARINA certification, medical fitness and manning agency rules that protect Filipino seafarers.
Port and Terminal Concessions in the Philippines: How MARINA Rules Apply
Port and terminal concessions in the Philippines are governed by MARINA rules on domestic shipping, cargo handling, and terminal operations under RA 9295.
Domestic Shipping License Philippines: How to Get a MARINA Certificate of Public Convenience
Need a domestic shipping license in the Philippines? Learn how MARINA issues the Certificate of Public Convenience under RA 9295 and what operators must submit.
Ship Registration in the Philippines: MARINA Rules and Requirements
Ship registration in the Philippines is handled by MARINA, which registers vessels and issues the certificates needed to operate in domestic trade.
Maritime Salvage in the Philippines: How the Law Treats Salvage Claims
Maritime salvage in the Philippines: how Philippine law treats salvage claims, the role of MARINA, and the rules on negligence and damages at sea.
Charterparty and Bill of Lading in the Philippines: How Shipping Contracts Work
Understand how charterparties and bills of lading work under Philippine shipping law, including MARINA rules on domestic carriers and cargo liability.
Emancipation Patents Under Voluntary Land Transfer: The Marinas Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when emancipation patents are valid under PD 27's Voluntary Land Transfer scheme, including co-owner consent and payment timing.
Dismissal and Forum Shopping: The Perils of Duplicative Litigation
Supreme Court clarifies exhaustion of administrative remedies and forum shopping in MARINA cases, with practical guidance for litigants.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Appealing MARINA Decisions to the Office of the President
When must MARINA decisions be appealed to the Office of the President before going to court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.