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.
Seafarer Wins Attorney's Fees After Being Compelled to Litigate Disability Claim
Supreme Court reinstates attorney's fees for seafarer with Meniere's Disease, ruling he was compelled to litigate to recover disability benefits.
Retirement Benefits Rate for University Employees With Multiple Roles
Supreme Court clarifies how retirement pay is computed for university employees who hold faculty and administrative positions.
COA Authority to Disallow Benefits Without Presidential Approval: PhilHealth Case
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow PhilHealth benefits lacking presidential approval, but allows longevity pay under RA 11223.
Limits on PhilHealth's Fiscal Autonomy: Accountability in Public Spending
Supreme Court clarifies PhilHealth's fiscal autonomy limits, upholding COA disallowances of unauthorized benefits while allowing longevity pay.
The Indefinite Assessment Seafarers Right To Disability Benefits Under Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' disability benefits when company doctors fail to issue timely final assessments.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Prescription Periods and Proving Work-Related Death
Learn the strict rules on prescription and compensability in seafarer death benefit claims, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Fiscal Autonomy vs Accountability: PhilHealth Benefit Disallowances Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms COA disallowances of PhilHealth benefits, clarifying that fiscal autonomy does not mean absolute power over compensation.
The Limits of Fiscal Autonomy: PhilHealth’s Authority to Grant Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court rules that PhilHealth's fiscal autonomy is not absolute; employee benefits must have clear legal basis or face disallowance.
Abandonment of Medical Treatment Impact on Seafarer Disability Claims
How a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment affects a seafarer's claim for total and permanent disability benefits.
Dismissed Electric Cooperative GM Can't Claim Retirement: NEA Jurisdiction Ruling
Supreme Court affirms NEA's exclusive jurisdiction over electric cooperative GM retirement claims, forfeiting benefits upon valid dismissal.
Good Faith and the Duty to Return Illegally Granted Benefits in the NHA
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on good faith and the obligation to return illegally granted benefits in the National Housing Authority.
Untimely Medical Assessments Protecting Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits
When company doctors miss the deadline for a final assessment, a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total.
Seafarers’ Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Refuses Medical Attention
When a manning agency ignores a seafarer’s request for medical attention, it cannot use that failure to defeat a disability claim.
Pancreatic Cancer and Seafarers' Benefits: Proving Work Relatedness Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's non-listed illness like pancreatic cancer is compensable, and the strict proof required.
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.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employee Compensation and PCSO Board Authority
SC ruling on PCSO allowances disallowed by COA: board authority limits, non-diminution of benefits, and officer liability explained.
Upholding Fiscal Responsibility: The Limits of PCSO's Authority in Granting Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO employee benefits, clarifying limits on board authority and liability rules.
CBA-Protected Benefits: When Management Prerogative Cannot Override the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Philippine Bank of Communications v. PBCOMEA: benefits written into a CBA cannot be unilaterally changed by management without union participation.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Overcoming Concealment and Securing Benefits Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's failure to disclose pre-existing illness bars disability claims and how to secure benefits.
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.
Profit Sharing in CBA: Exclusivity for Rank-and-File Employees
Supreme Court rules CBA profit sharing belongs exclusively to rank-and-file employees; separate benefits for managers must not dilute union gains.
Diabetes and Hypertension: Proving Work Relatedness in Seafarer Disability Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court treats diabetes and hypertension claims for seafarer disability benefits under the POEA-SEC.
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.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Employee Incentives in Government Agencies: Insights from Recent Supreme
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that government agencies, including GOCCs like PhilHealth, must secure presidential approval before granting employee allowances and benefits.