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.
Retirement Pay Law Prevails Over Company Manual in Optional Retirement Case
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Retirement Benefits: Labor Code Prevails Over Inferior Company Plans
Philippine Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Presidential Authority vs COA: Qualified Political Agency in Government Employee Benefits
Philippine Institute for Development Studies v. COA clarifies the doctrine of qualified political agency and limits on presidential delegation.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Finality of Settlement Agreements Barring Future Claims Despite Quasi-Delict Allegations in Seafarer Death Cas
SC rules valid settlement agreements bar seafarers' heirs from filing quasi-delict claims after accepting death benefits.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails
A look at Centennial Transmarine v. Sales on disability grading, the 120-day rule, and CBA vs POEA-SEC benefits.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Employer Obligations
A seafarer's pre-existing hypertension claim for disability benefits fails when he fails to follow the POEA-SEC process.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.
When Aortic Stenosis at Sea Doesn't Guarantee Seafarer Disability Benefits: Establishing Work Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's heart condition must be proven work-related to qualify for disability compensation under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Primacy of the Company-Designated Physician's Assessment
A seafarer who abandons prescribed treatment and files a disability claim prematurely loses the right to total permanent disability benefits.
GSIS Policy Invalidity: Publication Requirement for Rules Affecting Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruled GSIS issuances affecting retirement benefits must be published to be valid, affirming retiree's right to original appointment computation.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers' Death: Proving Causal Connection for Death Benefits
Death benefits may be due even if a seafarer dies after contract expiry, as long as a work-related illness caused or contributed to the death.
Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total, and the employer's duty to assess within prescribed periods.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Seafarer Death Benefits Proving Work Relatedness After Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' heirs can claim death benefits for illnesses manifesting after contract expiry.
Protecting Seafarers: Employers Must Uphold Medical Obligations and Timely Pay Sickness Allowances
The Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot use a seafarer's missed check-up as an excuse to deny disability benefits when the employer failed to pay sickness allowance and approve treatment.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury and Timelines
Learn when seafarers can claim disability benefits, the burden of proof for work-related injury, and why timelines matter in compensation claims.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's "Fit to Work" Ruling Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer gets total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
Gross Misconduct Dismissal for Rape of Minor Inside Hall of Justice Premises
Court personnel who commit rape inside the Hall of Justice face dismissal for gross misconduct, forfeiture of benefits, and perpetual disqualification.
Work-Related Injury: Defining Course of Employment in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-related illness presumption, and employer duties under POEA-SEC.
Good Faith Exception When Government Employees CAN Keep Disallowed Benefits
PhilHealth v. COA clarifies when government employees may keep disallowed benefits despite an audit disallowance.
Seafarers Rights: When Delayed Medical Assessment Means Total Disability
Learn how a company doctor's failure to assess a seafarer within 120 days can result in total permanent disability benefits under POEA rules.