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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
Defiance and Dismissal: Loss of Retirement Benefits for Striking Employees
When a pilot defied a return-to-work order, he lost his employment status and, ultimately, his retirement benefits. Here's why.
Judicial Misconduct and Loss of Retirement Benefits: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
A judge who assaulted a neighbor lost all retirement benefits. The Supreme Court explains why judicial temperament matters.
Pre-Existing Conditions vs Non-Disclosure: Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies the three-day reporting rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits under the POEA-SEC.
MWSS Benefits Disallowance: Retroactive Effect of Judicial Rulings on Government Compensation
Supreme Court rules judicial interpretations of law apply retroactively, not prospectively, in government benefits disallowance cases.
Retirement Benefits and Retroactivity: PITC v. COA on Judicial Interpretation
When a Supreme Court ruling interprets a law, it applies retroactively. PITC learned this in a dispute over retirement benefits.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness Under POEA-SEC and CBA
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof for seafarers' death benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA in Maersk-Filipinas v. Malicse.
Suicide and Seafarers' Death Benefits: Proving Intentional Self-Harm in Maritime Claims
When can a shipping company deny death benefits by proving a seafarer committed suicide? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary standard.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Filing Too Early Can Jeopardize Total Disability Benefits
Filing a disability claim before the 240-day treatment period ends can be fatal. Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in C.F. Sharp Crew Management v. Orbeta.
Breach of Contract: When Concealing Pre-Existing Illness Negates Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarers' disability benefits, fraudulent misrepresentation, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.
Optional Retirement: Employer Consent Is Key to Benefit Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on optional retirement and the crucial role of employer consent in entitlement to retirement benefits.
When Is a Seafarer Entitled to Total Disability Benefits: A Guide to Maritime Claims
Learn when a seafarer may claim permanent total disability benefits under the POEA contract, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Defining the Limits of Medical Assessment Periods for Seafarer Disability Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's delay in assessing a seafarer's disability results in permanent total disability benefits.
Seafarers Willful ACT Determining Liability IN Maritime Death Benefit Claims
When a seafarer dies from a willful act like jumping overboard, employers may be exempt from death benefits under POEA rules.
Resignation Not a Shield: Grave Misconduct and Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability for grave misconduct, imposing perpetual disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.
Retirement Benefits: Company Plans Prevail Over Labor Code Minimums
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans prevail over Labor Code when they provide superior benefits, citing PAL pilot case.
Seafarers Disability Timelines: 120-Day Rule for Medical Assessment and Benefits
Learn the 120-day and 240-day rules for seafarer disability assessment under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
COA Disallowance of Irregular Government Funds: Good Faith Restitution Rule Explained
Supreme Court rules on COA disallowance of DBP car subsidy, clarifying when good faith excuses refund of disallowed government benefits.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the 120-Day Rule Is Not Automatic
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 120-day rule does not automatically grant total disability benefits to seafarers under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect of Duty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials forfeit retirement benefits when found guilty of neglect of duty and misconduct, reinforcing accountability standards.