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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Seafarers' Employment Status: Contractual, Not Regular, Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Seafarers Are Contractual Employees: The Millares Ruling on Fixed-Term Overseas Work
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino seafarers are contractual, not regular, employees under Philippine law, and explains the limits of Article 280.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Substantial Compliance and Employer Duty to Assess Fitness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits, substantial compliance with POEA contract, and employer responsibility in fitness assessment.
Seafarers' Rights: Who Is the Company-Designated Physician in Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a company-designated physician need not be POEA-accredited for seafarer disability claims.
Company-Designated Physician and Seafarer Disability Claims: Key Lessons from German Marine Agencies v. NLRC
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a company-designated physician need not be POEA-accredited for a seafarer's disability claim to prosper.
Are Tips Guaranteed Income? Understanding Employee Compensation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when tips are part of an employee's compensation and when they are not, using a seafarer's case.
Seafarers' Sickness and Disability Benefits: What the Tuazon Case Teaches
The Supreme Court ruled that seafarers can claim sickness and disability benefits even with pre-existing conditions, as long as the illness occurs during the employment contract.
Protecting Seafarers Understanding Work Related Illness AND Death Benefits IN THE Philippines
Protecting Seafarers From Illegal Dismissal: Employer Burden of Proof in Philippine Maritime Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal and what employers must prove to justify early repatriation.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Death Claims: Employer Must Prove Suicide to Avoid Liability
In Lapid v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employers must prove suicide to avoid death benefits under the POEA contract.
When Workplace Fear Leads to Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Seafarers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal for seafarers who quit due to well-founded fear for their safety at work.
Seafarer Transfers Understanding Crewmember Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Vessel Assignments
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced crewmember rights and employer prerogatives in vessel transfer assignments for Filipino seafarers.
When Is Dismissal Too Harsh? Proportionality in Employment Law
A seafarer's insubordination was just cause for dismissal, but the employer still paid P5,000 for skipping due process.
Insubordination in Maritime Employment: Understanding Just Cause for Termination
A seafarer's refusal to obey lawful orders can be just cause for dismissal, but procedural due process still applies.
Seafarers' Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal when they seek ITF or CSR help for labor grievances.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims IN THE Philippines A Guide TO Compensation
Understanding Seafarer Dismissal Rights and Employer Duties in the Philippines
Learn the rules on seafarer dismissal in the Philippines from a Supreme Court case on illegal termination, due process, and overtime pay.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
Seafarer's Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, due process requirements, and evidentiary standards in maritime employment cases.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship: Key Factors and Evidence in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine employer-employee relationships and what evidence matters, based on a Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death claims.
Employer Liability for Seafarers' Death: Navigating Repatriation Risks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability when a seafarer dies during repatriation, clarifying the standard of care and compensation obligations.