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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Seafarers Disability Timely Assessment IS KEY To Benefits Entitlement
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on the company doctor's timely assessment. Learn the 120/240-day rule from a Supreme Court case.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When Employer Practices Become Enforceable Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on non-diminution of benefits—when employer practices ripen into enforceable rights under the Labor Code.
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.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness After Contract Termination
Learn when a seafarer's death after contract end is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness under the POEA Contract.
Dismissal for Loss of Confidence: When a Validly Dismissed Employee Cannot Claim Retirement Pay
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee lawfully dismissed for serious misconduct and loss of confidence cannot be awarded retirement benefits as a measure of social justice.
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.
Tax Treaty Relief vs. BIR Rules: When Administrative Deadlines Cannot Defeat Treaty Benefits
Supreme Court rules that failure to file a prior tax treaty relief application with the BIR does not automatically forfeit a taxpayer's right to preferential rates under an international tax treaty.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Injury During a Basketball Game Counts as Work-Related
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer injured during a basketball game on board a vessel may still claim total and permanent disability benefits.
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.
Double Dipping Denied Retirement Benefits VS Separation PAY IN Redundancy Cases
Seafarers Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Governs Absent Proof of CBA Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when POEA-SEC, not a CBA, governs seafarer disability pay; proof requirements for claiming superior CBA benefits.
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.
When Company Benefits AND Legal Title Collide Establishing Ownership Through Resulting Trusts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying for an asset registered in another's name creates a resulting trust, even in employee 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.
Diminution of Benefits and Company Practice in Retirement Claims: The Vergara Case
When does a benefit become a company practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-diminution of benefits in retirement claims.
Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits for Non-Work-Related Illness Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim disability benefits for illnesses not listed as occupational diseases under the POEA-SEC, if work contributed.
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.