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.
Tax Treaty Benefits: Prior Application Not Always Required for Refunds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when tax treaty benefits can be claimed without prior application, impacting refund claims.
Accidental Injury at Sea: Defining "Accident" for Seafarer Disability Claims
When is a seafarer's injury an "accident" for CBA disability benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies in Sunga v. Virjen Shipping.
Local Government Powers: Balancing Reorganization and Prohibited Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when local government early retirement programs are valid versus prohibited supplementary retirement schemes under Philippine law.
Double Compensation Prohibited: Disability Benefits vs. Loss of Future Earnings in Maritime Claims
Supreme Court rules a seafarer cannot recover both disability benefits and loss of future earnings, as disability compensation already covers lost earning capacity.
Psoriasis Seafarers and the Burden of Proof in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving work-related illness for disability benefits, with lessons for seafarers.
Resignation vs Secondment: Retirement Benefits and Waiver Validity in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a transfer ends employment, affecting retirement benefits and quitclaim validity in Intel v. NLRC.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine
Supreme Court rules seafarers injured during onboard recreational activities like basketball are entitled to disability benefits under the Bunkhouse Rule.
Employer Negligence and the Duty of Supervision: Retirement Benefits Case
Supreme Court ruling on when banks can deduct retirement benefits for employee negligence, and the limits of supervisory liability.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
The Three-Day Rule: Strict Compliance for Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict three-day post-employment medical exam rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits; failure forfeits claims.
Seafarers Death Benefits: Contract Extensions, Release Documents, and Compensability
Supreme Court rules seafarer's death compensable despite release documents and expired contract, protecting heirs' right to death benefits.
Beneficial Ownership When Trust Relationships in Corporate Benefits Prevail
When a company buys a club share in an employee's name, who truly owns it? The Supreme Court explains trust relationships and beneficial ownership.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Salary Standardization Incumbency Determines RATA Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that RATA benefits under the Salary Standardization Law apply only to incumbents as of July 1, 1989.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Benefits: When Removing Workplace Chairs Is Valid
Supreme Court ruling on when management can remove workplace amenities without violating labor laws or the non-diminution rule.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Overseas Workers' Full Compensation for Illegal Dismissal: Key SC Ruling
SC clarifies that illegally dismissed overseas workers with contracts under one year get full unexpired term salaries, including benefits.
Shore Leave and Seafarer Death Benefits: When Work-Relatedness Fails
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's death during shore leave is not automatically work-related; explains the causal connection required for death benefits.
Retirement Benefits: Reconciling Prior Obligations With Employee Entitlements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how retirement pay is computed when employees were retrenched, rehired, and had prior debts to the employer.
Creditable Government Service: When Consultancy Work Counts for Justice Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on crediting consultancy work as government service for retirement benefits of justices under RA 9946.
Seafarers Death Benefits Proving Causation Between Injury AND Fatal Illness
Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' death benefits: bare allegations of causation between injury and fatal illness are not enough.
Judicial Clemency Reintegrating Errant Public Servants AND Restoring Forfeited Rights
When can a dismissed judge return to government service? The Supreme Court explains judicial clemency and restoration of benefits.
Retirement Benefits vs Other Allowances: The Refundability Distinction in Illegal Disbursements
When illegal disbursements are disallowed, must payees refund? The Supreme Court draws a line between retirement benefits and ordinary allowances.