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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Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Beyond 120 Days: Seafarer’s Right to Permanent Total Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer is deemed permanently and totally disabled under the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC.
Causal Connection Is Key in Seafarer Disability Claims for Work-Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove a causal connection between their illness and work to receive disability benefits.
Work-Related Skin Illness: Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits Despite Fit-to-Work Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer with work-related skin illness can get disability benefits even if declared fit to work.
Presumption of Compensability Protecting Seafarers With Cardiovascular Disease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability benefits for cardiovascular disease, presumption of compensability, and POEA-SEC.
Navigating Disability Benefits: The Significance of Timely Medical Assessments for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that seafarers may claim disability benefits for work-related illnesses even without a prompt company physician assessment.
Seafarers Must Comply With Timely Medical Reporting To Claim Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must undergo post-employment medical exams within three days to claim disability benefits.
Beyond the Contract: Can Seafarers Claim Disability Benefits After Employment Ends?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why death and disability benefits under the POEA contract must be claimed correctly and within the proper proceedings.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: Employer Must Pay Full Benefits Despite Initial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers entitled to full disability benefits when treatment exceeds 240 days, even with a lower disability rating.
Seafarers Heart Disease Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness FOR Disability Benefits
A seafarer's stroke was ruled work-related and compensable. Learn how the Supreme Court proved the link between work and illness.
Seafarers Rights Medical Expenses Are Separate From Disability Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that medical expenses, sickness allowance, and disability benefits are separate liabilities under the POEA-SEC.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Seafarers' Rights: Proving Work-Related Illness for Disability Benefits
Understand how the Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's rheumatoid arthritis can be compensable as a work-related illness under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers' Rights: Implied Contract Extension and Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied contract extension for seafarers and entitlement to permanent total disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Accidental Injury at Sea: Defining "Accident" for Seafarer Disability Claims
When is a seafarer's injury an "accident" for CBA disability benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies in Sunga v. Virjen Shipping.
Double Compensation Prohibited: Disability Benefits vs. Loss of Future Earnings in Maritime Claims
Supreme Court rules a seafarer cannot recover both disability benefits and loss of future earnings, as disability compensation already covers lost earning capacity.
Psoriasis Seafarers and the Burden of Proof in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving work-related illness for disability benefits, with lessons for seafarers.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine
Supreme Court rules seafarers injured during onboard recreational activities like basketball are entitled to disability benefits under the Bunkhouse Rule.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Injury During a Basketball Game Counts as Work-Related
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer injured during a basketball game on board a vessel may still claim total and permanent disability benefits.
The Three-Day Rule: Strict Compliance for Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict three-day post-employment medical exam rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits; failure forfeits claims.
Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits for Non-Work-Related Illness Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim disability benefits for illnesses not listed as occupational diseases under the POEA-SEC, if work contributed.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Defining Disability for Seafarers: Why Timely Medical Assessment Matters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent, and why abandoning treatment can jeopardize a claim for full disability benefits.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: When 120-Day Rule and POEA Reporting Requirements Apply
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120/240-day rule, and POEA contract reporting requirements explained in plain language.