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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Government Benefits and the Limits of Board Authority: The Abrigo v. COA Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld the disallowance of MWSS meal allowances, clarifying when board-approved benefits are illegal and when recipients must refund them.
CBA Benefits and Presidential Approval: Balancing Labor Rights and GOCC Financial Discipline
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCC CBAs granting additional benefits are void without the President's approval under EO No. 7, s. 2010.
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.
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.
Corporate Governance and Compensation: Lessons from the LBP Subsidiaries COA Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of P5.13M in benefits paid to LBP subsidiary board members, clarifying corporate governance rules.
Pcso Benefits Disallowed Navigating Compensation Laws AND THE Limits OF Corporate Authority
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.
Seafarers' Disability Benefits: When a Company Doctor's Report Falls Short
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare conclusion may not defeat a disability claim.
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.