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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GSIS v. Villamayor: When Illness Is Not Work-Related, No Death Benefits
Supreme Court denies GSIS death benefits for breast cancer death, ruling claimants must prove work connection, not just illness.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Causation in Philippine Law
When can a seafarer's family claim death benefits? The Supreme Court explains the evidence needed to prove work-related causation.
Death Benefits for Seafarers: When the POEA Contract Does Not Apply
A seafarer's death benefits under the POEA Standard Contract require death during the contract term. Learn the limits from Hermogenes v. OSCO.
Agent Liability in Insurance Contracts: The Pandiman Philippines Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurance agent can be held liable for claims, and who bears responsibility for overseas workers' death benefits.
Extending Compassion Death Benefits After Retirement Under THE Employees Compensation ACT
Can a retired teacher's heirs claim death benefits under PD 626 if the illness began during service? The Supreme Court says yes.
Void Marriages and Inheritance Rights: Determining Legal Heirs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void marriages, death benefits, and who qualifies as legal heirs under the Family Code.
Protecting Seafarers Understanding Work Related Illness AND Death Benefits IN THE Philippines
When Heart Disease Makes a Death Claim Compensable Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a non-occupational illness like cancer does not bar death benefits if a compensable heart ailment caused death.
Beyond Occupational Disease: How Philippine Law Compensates Death Benefits for Heart Ailments Alongside Cancer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compensable heart disease and death benefits under PD 626, even when cancer is non-occupational.
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.