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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GSIS Held in Contempt for Delaying Payment of Permanent Total Disability Benefits Under RA 8291
Supreme Court cites GSIS for indirect contempt for delaying payment of a member's permanent total disability benefits under RA 8291.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA Contract
Explaining when seafarers can claim disability benefits under the POEA Standard Contract, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Bandila Maritime v. Dubduban.
When Is Tuberculosis a Work-Related Illness? Seafarer Disability Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tuberculosis is work-related for seafarer disability claims, and the burden of proof on the seafarer.
Seafarers Disability: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on a seafarer's disability claim for heart disease under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Voluntary Resignation Bars Seafarers Claims Understanding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary resignation affects seafarers' claims for sickness allowance and disability benefits under POEA contracts.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Weighing Company Doctor vs Independent Medical Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims when company physicians and independent doctors disagree, favoring the worker's evidence.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Binding Authority of Company-Designated Physicians
Learn how Philippine courts weigh company-designated physician assessments against seafarer second opinions in disability claims, and what this means for your case.
Seafarer Compensation Rights: Work-Related Injury Claims and Pre-Existing Conditions in Philippine Maritime La
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related injuries despite pre-existing conditions, and the legal standards for disability claims.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification controls absent a third-doctor review.
Seafarers Disability Defining Permanent Disability Beyond the Company Doctor's Assessment
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company doctor's assessment is not conclusive, and inability to work for over 120 days may mean permanent disability.
From Partial to Total: Converting Disability Benefits Under Philippine Law
When can a permanent partial disability (PPD) benefit be converted to permanent total disability (PTD)? The Supreme Court explains in GSIS v. Casco.
Seafarers Disability Incorrectly Filed Appeal Doesnt Forfeit Benefits DUE TO Illness Contracted During Employment
Work-Related Illness: Reassessing Disability Compensation for Congenital Heart Disease
The Supreme Court ruled that congenital heart disease can be compensable under PD 626 when work strain triggers symptoms, reshaping disability claims.
Rape of a Child with Intellectual Disability: When Knowledge of the Victim's Condition Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution must prove an accused knew the victim had an intellectual disability in qualified rape cases.
Seafarers Rights: Defining Permanent Disability Beyond Medical Assessments
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers are deemed permanently disabled under Philippine law, even without a company physician's assessment.
Seafarer Disability Benefits for Illness Contracted During the Contract Term
A seafarer who falls ill during his contract may claim total disability benefits even if the illness is not work-related, the Supreme Court ruled in 2007.
When a Shipboard Basketball Injury Is Work-Related: Arriesgado v. Multinational Maritime
SC rules a seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine, entitling him to disability benefits.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Seafarer Rights Beyond Company Physician Assessments
When a Seafarer's Quitclaim and Delay Bar Disability Claims: The Famanila Case
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's quitclaim is valid and how prescription periods bar late disability claims.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Fit for Duty Assessments and Quitclaims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, fit for duty assessments by company-designated physicians, and validity of quitclaims.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: What This Means for Benefits Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees—affecting 13th month pay and disability benefits claims.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Amended POEA Contracts and Entitlements Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when amended POEA disability benefit rates apply to seafarers and how Grade 1 impediments are compensated.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Heart Condition and Fitness for Sea Duty After Bypass Surgery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer permanent total disability benefits after heart bypass surgery under the 1996 POEA Standard Employment Contract.