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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Attorney Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Settlement Funds
Lawyer disbarred for depositing client settlement checks into personal account instead of delivering them to seafarers.
Seafarers Disability Claim Strict Compliance With Post Employment Medical Examination Rule
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims THE Importance OF THE Company Designated Doctors Assessment
Suicide as a Bar to Seafarer Death Benefits: The Burden of Proof
When can a seafarer's suicide bar death benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in this maritime law case.
Company Doctor's Assessment Upheld in Seafarer Disability Claims
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer who fails to refer conflicting medical findings to a third doctor is bound by the company-designated physician's disability rating.
The Duty of Disclosure: Honesty in Seafarer Employment Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling on how concealing a pre-existing illness in a seafarer's PEME can bar disability claims, even when the 3-day reporting rule is excused.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Role of Company-Designated Physicians and POEA-SEC Rules
Understand the Tagle v. Anglo-Eastern ruling on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physicians, and POEA-SEC grading rules.
Diabetes and Seafarers' Rights: When a Disability Claim Fails Under the POEA-SEC
Supreme Court explains when diabetes is not a compensable work-related illness for seafarers, and why the 120-day rule is not automatic.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Prematurity and the Burden of Proof in Tagle v. Anglo-Eastern
Explaining when a seafarer's disability claim is premature and who bears the burden of proving work-relatedness under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers Rights Medical Expenses Are Separate From Disability Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that medical expenses, sickness allowance, and disability benefits are separate liabilities under the POEA-SEC.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Seafarers' Rights: Proving Work-Related Illness for Disability Benefits
Understand how the Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's rheumatoid arthritis can be compensable as a work-related illness under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers' Rights: Implied Contract Extension and Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied contract extension for seafarers and entitlement to permanent total disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
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.
Seafarers Disability: Prolonged Incapacity Trumps Fit-to-Work Certification
A company doctor's fit-to-work certification does not defeat a seafarer's permanent total disability claim when incapacity exceeds 120 days.
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.
Loss of Earning Award Deleted: Final Decisions and Double Recovery in Philippine Seafarer Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments bind parties, but double recovery for loss of earning capacity is barred when disability compensation already paid.
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.
Seafarers’ Disability Claims: Abandoning Treatment and the POEA-SEC Rules
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability claims, emphasizing the POEA-SEC requirements and the consequences of abandoning treatment.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work Relatedness
A seafarer's disability claim fails without proof of work relatedness. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden in Ayungo v. Beamko.
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.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Injury Claims: Proving Self-Inflicted Harm
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer can defeat a seafarer's disability claim by proving the injury was self-inflicted.
When a Seafarer's Disability Becomes Total and Permanent: The 120/240-Day Rule
Learn when a seafarer's unresolved medical condition becomes total and permanent disability under Philippine law, and what the 120/240-day rule means.
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.
When a Seafarer's Diet Becomes a Legal Battle: Proving Work-Related Illness
A seafarer's nasopharyngeal cancer claim shows how Philippine courts decide work-related illness disputes under the POEA-SEC.