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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Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Work-Related Illness and Causation in Seafarer Disability Claims: Key Lessons
Learn how Philippine courts decide seafarer disability claims, focusing on work-related illness, causation, and the POEA standard of proof.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Establishing Work-Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of illness or injury by substantial evidence to receive disability benefits.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers' Compensation: The Burden of Proof Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable and how the burden of proof works in disability claims.
When the Company Physician's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification outweighs a seafarer's private doctor in disability claims.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Timely Assessment by the Company Doctor Matters
If a company-designated doctor fails to assess a seafarer's fitness within 240 days from repatriation, the seafarer is deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Substantial Evidence and the 3-Day Medical Exam Rule Matter
A Supreme Court ruling explains why seafarers must comply with the mandatory post-employment medical exam and prove work-related illness with substantial evidence.
Work Relatedness and Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Link
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work relatedness for disability claims, not just inability to work for 120 days.
The Three-Day Rule: Forfeiture of Seafarers' Disability Benefits for Non-Compliance
A seafarer's failure to see a company-designated physician within three days of repatriation can forfeit disability claims, as Ricasata v. Cargo Safeway shows.
The Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying the Third Doctor Rule
A seafarer who disputes a company doctor's fit-to-work finding must follow the POEA-SEC third doctor rule and present solid medical evidence, the Supreme Court reminds.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Held Work-Related: Bunkhouse Rule and Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Work-Related Aggravation and Seafarers' Right to Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits when a pre-existing illness is aggravated by work conditions.
Seafarers Disability Claims Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove their illness is work-related, even if not listed as an occupational disease.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of non-listed illnesses with substantial evidence, not just rely on disputable presumption.
Disability Benefits FOR Seafarers THE Importance OF A Mutually Appointed Doctor
Premature Filing Bars Seafarers Disability Claim: POEA-SEC 240-Day Rule Explained
Filing a disability claim before the company doctor issues an assessment within 240 days can be fatal. Learn from this Supreme Court ruling.
Permanent Total Disability for Seafarers: The 120-Day Rule and POEA-SEC Entitlement
When does a seafarer's disability become permanent and total? The Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC compensation in Island Overseas Transport v. Beja.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Duty to Comply With Treatment and the 120-Day Rule
A seafarer's failure to comply with prescribed medical treatment can justify extending the assessment period to 240 days, defeating a disability claim.
Conflicting Medical Reports: When a Seafarer Gets Full Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court rules on conflicting company doctor reports, entitling seafarer to full permanent disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Beyond 120 Days: Seafarer’s Right to Permanent Total Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer is deemed permanently and totally disabled under the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC.
Causal Connection Is Key in Seafarer Disability Claims for Work-Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove a causal connection between their illness and work to receive disability benefits.
Premature Disability Claims: Seafarers Must Follow Medical Assessment Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim is premature and why following the POEA-SEC medical assessment procedure matters.
Work-Related Skin Illness: Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits Despite Fit-to-Work Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer with work-related skin illness can get disability benefits even if declared fit to work.