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.
Defining Disability for Seafarers: Why Timely Medical Assessment Matters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent, and why abandoning treatment can jeopardize a claim for full disability benefits.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: When 120-Day Rule and POEA Reporting Requirements Apply
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120/240-day rule, and POEA contract reporting requirements explained in plain language.
When IS A Seafarer Entitled TO Permanent Disability Benefits AN Analysis OF Fair Shipping Corp VS Medel
POEA Jurisdiction Over Seafarer Disciplinary Cases: NLRC Has No Appellate Review
Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from POEA disciplinary action cases against seafarers go to the Labor Secretary, not the NLRC.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Fit-to-Work Declaration Comes Too Late
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's temporary total disability becomes permanent once the 240-day treatment period lapses without a valid fitness declaration.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers’ Disability Claims: Proving the Causal Link
Seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove work-relatedness, not just illness during employment. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden.
THE 120 DAY Rule Seafarers Disability Claims AND Premature Lawsuits
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board vessel is work-related and compensable under the Bunkhouse Rule.
CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Ruled Work-Related: 2026 Supreme Court Decision Explained
A seafarer injured playing basketball on board a vessel is entitled to disability benefits. The Supreme Court applies the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company-Designated Physicians
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and the binding weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Ison v. Crewserve
SC rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment prevails over belated, unsupported certifications from seafarer's own doctors in disability claims.
When Onboard Recreation Becomes Work-Related: Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when injuries from onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC and the Bunkhouse Rule.
Prescription Periods and Missing Seafarers: How Employer Actions Can Extend Your Claim for Death Benefits
Learn how employer negligence and concealment can extend prescription periods for seafarer death benefit claims in the Philippines.
Breach of Seafarer Employment Contracts: POEA Rules and the Risk of Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a seafarer's refusal to join a vessel clarifies POEA breach rules and the proper appeal route.
When Refusing to Board a Ship Breaches a Seafarer's Contract: Lessons from Barairo v. Office of the President
A seafarer's refusal to rejoin a vessel, even after a prior dispute, can constitute breach of contract with serious consequences under POEA rules.
When a Seafarer's Appeal Goes to the Wrong Forum: The Cost of a Mistaken Remedy
A seafarer's appeal to the Office of the President instead of the Court of Appeals proved fatal, as the Supreme Court upheld the finality of the labor ruling against him.
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
Death Benefits AND Contractual Limits Seafarers Rights Under Philippine LAW
Overseas Dreams AND Broken Promises Safeguarding Migrant Workers From Illegal Recruitment AND Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' injuries during onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims Establishing Work Relatedness FOR Compensation
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding Work-Relatedness in Philippine Maritime
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's pre-existing illness is compensable and the limits of the disputable presumption of work-relatedness.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
Seafarers Disability When Standard Contracts Limit Compensation For Illnesses
SC rules basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule, entitling seafarer to disability benefits.