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.
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.
Understanding Void Marriages: The Impact of Simulated Unions on Legal Validity in the Philippines
A simulated marriage used as a front for benefits is void ab initio. The Supreme Court explains why in Ado-an-Morimoto v. Morimoto.
Promissory Estoppel in Philippine Employment: When Employer Promises Bind
A Supreme Court ruling shows how employer assurances on retirement benefits can bind companies under promissory estoppel. Learn the key lessons.
Rice Allowance in GOCCs: When Employee Benefits Are Disallowed by COA
The Supreme Court clarifies limits on rice allowance and other benefits in GOCCs, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Navigating Employee Incentives Legal Boundaries AND Accountability IN THE Philippine Public Sector
The Supreme Court upholds COA's disallowance of SSS employee incentives, clarifying legal limits and accountability rules for public sector benefits.
Understanding Work-Related Illnesses and Disability Benefits for Seafarers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers with work-related illnesses like Meniere's Disease can claim full disability benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA.
Understanding Liability for Unauthorized Corporate Expenditures: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Co
The Supreme Court clarifies when government officials and employees must return disallowed benefits like the NFA's Food and Grocery Incentive.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding Work-Related Illnesses and Legal Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer and the burden of proof for work-related illness claims under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Total and Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer for disability benefits, ruling that offshore platform workers on fixed structures are land-based employees.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding Total and Permanent Disability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury qualifies as total and permanent disability, not just partial, under the POEA-SEC.
Navigating Disability Benefits: The Importance of Timely Reporting for Seafarers
A seafarer's disability claim can fail without timely reporting and compliance with the POEA-SEC's mandatory procedures.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights From a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers can claim total disability benefits, emphasizing the weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Navigating Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Blue Manila v. Jamias
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims when company doctors fail to give complete medical assessments.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Lessons from the Ong Case
The Supreme Court partly grants former Sandiganbayan Justice Ong's plea for judicial clemency, restoring benefits and lifting reemployment ban.
Understanding the Limits of Garnishment in Tax Collection: Insights From the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that impeachment only removes an official from office, not forfeits retirement benefits without judicial conviction.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Limits of Compensation Authority in Government Corporations: Insights from SSS v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when GOCCs may grant employee benefits without presidential approval, and when officers may be excused from refunding disallowed amounts.
Navigating Employee Benefits and Disallowance: Understanding the Scope and Limits of Government Health Program
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of government health benefits for GOCC employees, explaining when disallowances apply and who bears liability.
Understanding Seafarers' Rights to Compensation for Work-Related Illnesses
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and what benefits are due under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers Concealing Pre-Existing Illness: Impact on Disability Benefits Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of pre-existing illness in the PEME bars disability claims.
Limits of University Board Powers: Disallowed Benefits and Good Faith
Supreme Court clarifies when university boards exceed their powers in granting benefits, and when good faith excuses refund liability.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Rule on Appeals and Financial Assistance
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs of a deceased seafarer may claim disability benefits and when only financial assistance is due.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Seafarers: A Guide to Legal Rights and Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarer disability benefits, appeal periods, and the difference between CBA accident claims and POEA-SEC compensation.
Navigating Permanent Disability Claims: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers can claim permanent disability benefits under the POEA-SEC, the CBA, and appeal periods.