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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Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Medical Concealment and Seafarer Disability Claims: Lessons from Clemente v. Status Maritime
The Supreme Court denies disability benefits to a seafarer who concealed a pre-existing shoulder condition, clarifying the rules on medical disclosure and PEME.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule on Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total due to delayed medical assessments by company-designated physicians.
Early Retirement and Disability Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A seafarer's disability claim fails for concealing pre-existing conditions in his PEME. Learn the legal rules and practical lessons.
Navigating the Seas of Truth: How Concealment Affects Seafarer Disability Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that concealing pre-existing conditions in a PEME bars seafarers from disability benefits.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Pre-Existing Condition Does Not Bar Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-relatedness, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Navigating Work-Related Injuries: Understanding Seafarer Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts decide seafarer disability claims, work-relatedness presumptions, and the risks of premature fit-to-work declarations.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Work-Related Illnesses and Legal Presumptions
Understand how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims when company physicians fail to issue timely, definite assessments.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights From Recent Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers may claim total and permanent disability benefits and how the company-designated physician's assessment affects claims.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Burden of Proof and Contract Limits in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, contract interpretation, and burden of proof for work-related illness claims.
Understanding Death Benefits in Seafarer Contracts: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits are payable under domestic seafarer contracts, and what heirs should do when a contract is silent.
Navigating Work-Related Illness Claims: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Seafarer Compensation
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related illness, including the reasonable link test and quitclaim validity.
Medical Abandonment and Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Antolino Case
When a seafarer skips required medical check-ups, disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains the limits of financial incapacity as an excuse.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding the POEA-SEC Claims Process
A look at how the Supreme Court applies the POEA-SEC's strict procedural rules in seafarer disability and monetary claims.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Due Process vs Economic Realities: Navigating Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action accrues and what valid termination requires under POEA-SEC.
Navigating Work-Related Illnesses: The Legal Path to Disability Benefits for Seafarers
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and compensable under the POEA-SEC, including the 240-day disability assessment rule.
Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.
Seafarer Rights in Maritime Employment: Illegal Dismissal and Prescription Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarer illegal dismissal claims, prescription periods, and termination pay under POEA-SEC in Gallego v. Wallem Maritime.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Why Following the POEA-SEC Medical Process Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC's three-doctor rule or risk losing disability claims entirely.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Total and Permanent Disability for Seafarers: The Teodoro Case
A seafarer with Grade 7 disability may still get total and permanent benefits if unfit for sea duty.
Unclear Medical Assessments Protecting Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits
A company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total permanent disability benefits, the Supreme Court ruled.