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.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims THE Importance OF Timely Medical Assessments 2
Seafarers' Total Disability: The 120-Day Rule and Duty to Refer to a Third Doctor
When a company doctor's assessment lapses beyond 120 days without valid final grading, a seafarer may claim total permanent disability.
Tax Collection Prescription: CIR's Collection Efforts Barred by Three-Year Period
Supreme Court affirms CTA ruling that the CIR's right to collect deficiency taxes prescribed after three years from assessment notice.
When Health Declares Unfit Seafarers Right TO Disability Benefits Beyond THE 240 Day Limit
Understand when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent under Philippine law, even beyond the 240-day medical assessment period.
Tax Assessment Validity: Waivers and Due Dates Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court nullified BIR deficiency assessments for First Gas Power due to defective waivers and missing due dates, clarifying prescriptive period rules.
Prescription in Tax Assessments: Waivers Must Be Strictly Compliant for Validity
Waivers of the tax prescription period are strictly construed. Missing the BIR's date of acceptance voids them, and assessments without due dates fail.
Waiver Validity and Estoppel: When Taxpayers Cannot Question Defective BIR Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective waivers of prescription, taxpayer estoppel, and BIR assessment periods explained in plain language.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Employers Must Issue Clear Disability Assessment
Supreme Court rules a company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total and permanent disability benefits.
Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Permits: PTK2 H2O Corp. v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms the writ of kalikasan, applying the precautionary principle and upholding the revocation of water permits and ECCs issued without proper environmental assessment.
Protecting the Environment: The Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Impact Assessments
The Supreme Court explains how the writ of kalikasan protects the right to a balanced ecology and why Environmental Impact Statements are crucial.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Maximum Medical Improvement in Disability Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that "maximum medical improvement" alone is not a valid disability assessment, entitling seafarer to permanent total disability benefits.
Due Process in Local Tax Assessments: Lessons from the National Power Corporation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must observe due process in tax assessments, as shown in the National Power Corporation case.
Seafarers Disability THE Imperative OF Timely Medical Assessments IN Maritime Employment
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Why Final Medical Assessments Matter
Understand why the Supreme Court denied permanent total disability benefits to a seafarer who filed his claim before the company doctor issued a final assessment.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Critical Role of Due Process and Timely Notices
A taxpayer's right to due process in tax assessments, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on prescribed notices and void assessments.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments and Compensati
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare finding of non-work relation is not enough.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Timelines, Medical Assessments, and the Risk of Abandoning Treatment
When a seafarer abandons medical treatment before the 120-day assessment period ends, disability claims may fail. Understand the rules.
Resignation and Commission Rights: Insights From a Philippine Labor Case
A seafarer's resignation and quitclaim can bar disability claims. Learn the rules on valid waivers and company doctor assessments.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments
A seafarer's disability claim can fail if the company doctor's assessment is not timely challenged. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule and Third Doctor Assessment
Learn how the 120/240-day rule and third doctor assessment affect seafarer disability claims, and when the POEA-SEC governs over a CBA.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Lack of Medical Assessment Means Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a definite medical assessment within 120 days can entitle a seafarer to permanent disability benefits.
When a "Fit to Work" Report Isn't Enough: Seafarers' Disability Claims and the 120-Day Rule
A company-designated physician's assessment must be definite and timely. Learn how the Reyes ruling protects seafarers' disability claims.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Company Doctor's Assessment Is Not Enough
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer may claim total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The 120/240-Day Rule and Timely Medical Assessments
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on timely, definitive medical assessments. The Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule.