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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Seafarer Rights in Maritime Employment: Illegal Dismissal and Prescription Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarer illegal dismissal claims, prescription periods, and termination pay under POEA-SEC in Gallego v. Wallem Maritime.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Why Following the POEA-SEC Medical Process Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC's three-doctor rule or risk losing disability claims entirely.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding the POEA-SEC Claims Process
A look at how the Supreme Court applies the POEA-SEC's strict procedural rules in seafarer disability and monetary claims.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Referral and Compensability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails for skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers Disability Claim Denied for Concealing Pre-Existing Condition and Abandoning Treatment
Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for fraudulent misrepresentation in PEME and medical abandonment under the 2000 POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails
A look at Centennial Transmarine v. Sales on disability grading, the 120-day rule, and CBA vs POEA-SEC benefits.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Work-Related Injury Under the CBA Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-related injuries, and CBA vs POEA-SEC compensation rules.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Employer Obligations
A seafarer's pre-existing hypertension claim for disability benefits fails when he fails to follow the POEA-SEC process.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the mandatory three-day reporting requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Third Doctor's Opinion: A Seafarer's Duty to Resolve Conflicting Medical Assessments in Disability Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that seafarers must follow the third-doctor procedure under the POEA-SEC before filing disability claims.
When Aortic Stenosis at Sea Doesn't Guarantee Seafarer Disability Benefits: Establishing Work Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's heart condition must be proven work-related to qualify for disability compensation under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Binding Effect of the Company Physician's Fitness Certification
When a seafarer disagrees with the company physician's fitness assessment, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Skipping this step can doom a disability claim.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule and Compensation
Learn how the mandatory third doctor rule under the POEA-SEC affects seafarer disability claims and compensation in the Philippines.
Work-Related Injury: Defining Course of Employment in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-related illness presumption, and employer duties under POEA-SEC.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Primacy of the Company-Designated Physician's Assessment
When a seafarer's own doctor disagrees with the company physician, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Learn why.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule
When a seafarer's doctor and the company physician disagree on disability, the POEA-SEC's third-doctor rule is mandatory. Hernandez v. Magsaysay explains why.
Seafarers Disability Claims: When the Company Physician's Assessment Prevails
Learn when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification prevails over a seafarer's own doctor in disability claims under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer’s Disability Claim Denied for Missing the 3-Day Post-Repatriation Exam
A seafarer who failed the 3-day post-repatriation medical exam rule lost his disability claim. Learn the strict POEA-SEC requirement.
Pre-Existing Conditions vs Non-Disclosure: Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies the three-day reporting rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness Under POEA-SEC and CBA
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof for seafarers' death benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA in Maersk-Filipinas v. Malicse.
When the Company Doctor's Disability Rating Becomes Binding on Seafarers
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer who disagrees with the company-designated physician's disability rating must follow the POEA-SEC procedure, or that rating becomes final.
Breach of Contract: When Concealing Pre-Existing Illness Negates Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarers' disability benefits, fraudulent misrepresentation, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Company-Designated Physician's Fitness Declaration Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims
Supreme Court rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment binds seafarer unless properly disputed under POEA-SEC procedure.