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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Fitness TO Work Prevails Seafarers Disability Claim Denied Based ON Company Doctors Assessment
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
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.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company Doctor Assessments
Learn how the 240-day rule and company-designated physician assessments determine seafarer disability claims in Philippine maritime law.
Seafarers Disability Claims Mandatory Procedures AND THE Weight OF Medical Assessments
Seafarer Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Procedures and Assessment Timelines
Learn how the 240-day rule and POEA-SEC procedures govern seafarer disability claims, and why following the assessment process matters.
Tax Assessment Prescription: When False Returns Extend the BIR's Reach
A Supreme Court ruling explains when the BIR may assess taxes within ten years instead of three, based on false returns and substantial underdeclaration.
Tax Assessment Limits and Due Process in Withholding Tax Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on prescription periods and due process requirements in tax assessments, using the Samar-I Electric Cooperative case.
Tax Evasion Cases: When a Prior Assessment Is Not Required for Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can prosecute tax evasion without a prior assessment, and what probable cause requires.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Medical Assessment AND Treatment Protocols
When Prolonged Illness Translates to Permanent Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A seafarer's stroke is work-related and compensable as permanent total disability when the company physician fails to issue a final assessment.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims and why the company-designated physician's assessment prevails.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims THE Importance OF THE Company Designated Doctors Assessment
Company Doctor's Assessment Upheld in Seafarer Disability Claims
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer who fails to refer conflicting medical findings to a third doctor is bound by the company-designated physician's disability rating.
Tax Assessments, Formal Offer of Evidence, and Due Process in Deficiency Tax Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tax assessments are void for lack of due process and why formal offer of evidence matters before the CTA.
Seafarers Disability Timely Assessment IS KEY To Benefits Entitlement
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on the company doctor's timely assessment. Learn the 120/240-day rule from a Supreme Court case.
Pay Under Protest Before Contesting Real Property Tax Assessments
A claim for tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment under the Local Government Code.
Tax Exemption vs Assessment: Understanding Payment Under Protest in Real Property Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claiming tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment.
The Court's Duty of Independent Assessment in Dismissing Criminal Cases
When prosecutors move to withdraw an Information, trial courts must independently assess the merits—not just perfunctorily deny the motion.
Protecting Seafarers: Upholding Disability Claims Despite Company Doctor's Assessment
Supreme Court rules seafarers can dispute company-designated physician's fitness assessment with independent medical evidence, protecting their disability claims.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Physician Assessments IN THE Absence OF Clear Contradictory Evidence
Tax Amnesty Under RA 9480: Can It Cover Prior Tax Assessments?
The Supreme Court ruled that a taxpayer may avail of the 2007 tax amnesty under RA 9480 even with a pending assessment, settling the scope of the program.
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.