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.
The 240-Day Rule Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Full Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule for seafarers' disability claims, explaining when full permanent total disability benefits are due.
When Judges Face Accountability: The Pajaron Contempt Case Explained
The Supreme Court held a retired judge liable for gross inefficiency and dishonesty over 66 undecided cases, imposing a fine deductible from retirement benefits.
PCSO Benefits Disallowed: Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of unauthorized benefits paid to LBP subsidiary board members, clarifying rules on double compensation and corporate governance.
PhilHealth Personnel as Public Health Workers: The UHC Act's Curative Effect on Benefits
The Supreme Court confirms PhilHealth personnel are public health workers entitled to hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances under RA 7305.
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 the Consequences of Corruption: Administrative Liability in the Judiciary
A Court of Appeals employee's role in case-fixing leads to dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, clarifying administrative liability rules.
Presidential Approval for GOCC Employee Benefits: Lessons from the PMDC Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs must secure presidential approval for employee benefits under PD 1597, regardless of charter status.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
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.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Material Concealment and Work-Related Illnesses
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's non-disclosure of a medical condition bars disability claims, and when a heart ailment is compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement plan contributions may be charged against the 70% tuition fee incremental proceeds under RA 6728.
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.
Understanding CNA Benefits: Who Qualifies and the Consequences of Misallocation
The Supreme Court clarifies CNA incentive eligibility and the liability for granting benefits to non-qualified employees.
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.
Employer Liability and Disability Benefits for Overseas Filipino Workers
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and disability benefits for overseas Filipino workers in this detailed legal analysis.
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.
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.
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.
Navigating Disability Claims: Why Comprehensive Medical Assessments Matter for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits highlights why complete, final medical assessments are crucial in maritime compensation claims.
Understanding Gross Misconduct: The Consequences of Mishandling Cash Bail in Philippine Courts
A court process server who received P36,000 as cash bail but failed to turn it over was found guilty of gross misconduct, forfeiting retirement benefits.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Importance of Timely Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that seafarers must receive a copy of the company doctor's final disability assessment within 120 or 240 days, or they may be deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Total and Permanent Disability: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A seafarer won total disability benefits because the company doctor's assessment was never given to him. Learn the rules.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Concealment Claims Fail and How to Claim Compensation
Learn when a seafarer can still claim disability benefits despite alleged concealment, and why the company-designated physician's final assessment matters.