Question

Scenario:

An accident occurred in the Philippines involving a Filipino driver and a foreign national passenger. The passenger, who is a citizen of Country X, sustained severe injuries and wishes to file a personal injury claim against the driver. The driver, however, argues that the Philippine courts do not have jurisdiction over the case and invokes the principle of forum non conveniens.

Question:

Discuss the principles of jurisdiction and forum non conveniens in relation to the given scenario. Can the Philippine courts assume jurisdiction over the personal injury claim? Explain your answer.