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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Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Binding Effect of the Company Physician's Fitness Certification
When a seafarer disagrees with the company physician's fitness assessment, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Skipping this step can doom a disability claim.
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.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury is work-related and compensable, and why bare allegations fail.
Seafarer Disability Claim Denied: When a Gym Injury Is Not Work-Related
Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for a gym injury, explaining why work-relatedness is essential under POEA rules.
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.
Reinstating Attorney's Fees in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Horlador Ruling
The Supreme Court reinstates 10% attorney's fees for seafarers who win permanent total disability claims, reinforcing protective labor policy.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule and Compensation
Learn how the mandatory third doctor rule under the POEA-SEC affects seafarer disability claims and compensation in the Philippines.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer's Duty to Provide Post-Repatriation Medical Care
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on a seafarer's disability claim, the mandatory third-doctor rule, and the employer's duty to provide post-repatriation medical care.
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.
Abandonment OF Treatment AND Forfeiture OF Disability Benefits FOR Seafarers AN Analysis
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits: The Indefinite Assessment and the Third Doctor Rule
A seafarer who abandons treatment cannot claim permanent disability benefits. The Supreme Court explains the 120/240-day rule and the third doctor rule.
The 240-Day Rule: When a Seafarer's Disability Claim Is Premature
The Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule on seafarer disability claims, explaining when filing for total permanent disability is premature.
Concealment OR Condition Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits Under Poea SEC
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
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.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Primacy of the Company-Designated Physician's Assessment
When a seafarer's own doctor disagrees with the company physician, the POEA-SEC requires referral to a third doctor. Learn why.
Seafarers' Disability Benefits: Pre-Existing Conditions and Timely Assessments
Understand when a seafarer's disability is permanent and total, and why the company doctor's timely assessment prevails.
Seafarers Disability: The 240-Day Rule and the Right to Full Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total under the 240-day rule, and why a timely company-doctor assessment matters.
Overcoming Concealment Claims Seafarers Right TO Disability Benefits Despite Prior Condition
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Duty to Inform and the 120/240-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that a company-designated physician must actually inform the seafarer of a disability assessment; mere issuance is not enough.
Premature Filing Seafarers Disability Claim Dismissed FOR NON Compliance With Poea SEC Procedures
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Premature Filing Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule for seafarer disability assessments, explaining when a claim becomes premature and why timing matters.
Seafarers' Rights: Establishing Work-Related Illness for Disability Benefits
SC ruling clarifies how seafarers can prove work-related illness for disability benefits, even without company physician assessment.
Forfeiture of Seafarers Disability Claim: Strict Adherence to Post-Employment Medical Examination
Learn the strict rule on post-employment medical exams for seafarers and how failing to comply can forfeit disability claims.