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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Sexual Harassment in the Judiciary: When Clemency Has Limits
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for retirement benefits, clarifying the limits of judicial clemency in sexual harassment cases.
Understanding Contempt of Court and the Consequences of Repeated Legal Harassment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize grave misconduct by judicial employees, including dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Retirement Benefits and Reinstatement: Service Credit for Re-Employed Government Workers
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on retirement benefits, reinstatement, and service credit for re-employed government workers in G.R. No. 278615.
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 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.
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.
Reinstated Government Employees Crediting Prior Service Upon Refund OF Retirement Benefits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that separation pay due to redundancy remains tax-exempt even if computed under a retirement plan formula.
Administrative Liability and the Limits of Official Duties in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty shows how receiving benefits during suspension violates public trust and administrative rules.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Receiving Benefits During Suspension
Learn how a judge's receipt of allowances during suspension led to a dishonesty finding and fine in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Finality of Medical Assessments: Protecting Seafarers' Right to Full Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's assessment is final and definitive, protecting seafarers' right to permanent total disability benefits.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying the 120/240-Day Rule for Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total under the 120/240-day rule in Jebsens Maritime v. Pasamba.
Definitive Disability Assessments: Protecting Seafarers' Right to Full Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that a company doctor's tentative or unclear disability rating does not bar a seafarer from claiming permanent total disability benefits.
Defining Final Assessment Seafarer Disability Benefits AND Employer Obligations
Death Does Not Erase Misconduct: Forfeiture of Judge's Benefits Affirmed
Supreme Court rules a judge's death does not dismiss administrative cases; forfeiture of benefits stands for grave misconduct.
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 Oversight: Healthcare Benefits for Government Employees
Supreme Court ruling on when the President's approval of employee healthcare benefits still yields to COA audit rules and regulations.
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 Accountability: Forfeiture of Benefits for Gross Ignorance of the Law
Supreme Court rules on judicial accountability, imposing fines on a retired judge for gross misconduct and defiance of Court orders.
Separation Benefits Under Company Policy: Proving Entitlement in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees can claim separation benefits under company policy, and what evidence proves entitlement.
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.