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.
Resignation Not a Shield: Grave Misconduct and Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability for grave misconduct, imposing perpetual disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.
Retirement Benefits: Company Plans Prevail Over Labor Code Minimums
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans prevail over Labor Code when they provide superior benefits, citing PAL pilot case.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the 120-Day Rule Is Not Automatic
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 120-day rule does not automatically grant total disability benefits to seafarers under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Payment Becomes Final Despite a Reversed Award
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, the 120-day rule, and when conditional payment becomes final satisfaction of judgment.
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect of Duty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials forfeit retirement benefits when found guilty of neglect of duty and misconduct, reinforcing accountability standards.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Presumption of Work Relatedness Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits
SC ruling clarifies that seafarers' non-listed illnesses enjoy a disputable presumption of work-relatedness, easing their burden of proof.
Non-Diminution of Pay: Protecting Employee Benefits in Government Restructuring
The Supreme Court clarifies how non-diminution of pay applies when government agencies restructure compensation plans, using the NAPOCOR COLA case as example.
Retirement Benefits Premium Contributions Determine Creditable Service For Government Employees
GSIS v. Pauig: only service periods with paid GSIS premiums count for retirement benefits; casual and temporary service may be excluded.
Protecting Seafarers' Permanent Partial Disability and the Right to Compensation
Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim permanent partial disability benefits even if injury is curable or not in POEA schedule.
Accountability Prevails: COA's Power to Discipline and Recover Unlawful Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's authority to discipline its personnel and recover unauthorized benefits received from audited agencies.
Seafarers' Death Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness and Causation
SC clarifies what heirs must prove to claim death benefits for seafarers who die of illness after repatriation.
Government Employment and Separation Benefits: The TransCo Ruling on Contractual Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractual government employees qualify for separation benefits and when good faith excuses refund of disallowed amounts.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Establishing Work-Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of illness or injury by substantial evidence to receive disability benefits.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
The Three-Day Rule: Forfeiture of Seafarers' Disability Benefits for Non-Compliance
A seafarer's failure to see a company-designated physician within three days of repatriation can forfeit disability claims, as Ricasata v. Cargo Safeway shows.
Seafarers Disability Claims Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove their illness is work-related, even if not listed as an occupational disease.
Seafarers Death After Repatriation Ensuring Compensation FOR Work Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on death benefits for seafarers who die shortly after repatriation from work-related illnesses.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
Disallowed Government Benefits and Good Faith Refund Rules: Zamboanga City Water District v. COA
When do government employees and officers have to refund disallowed benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith rule in this case.
Illegal Dismissal: Computing Separation Pay and Backwages Using Gross Monthly Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute separation pay and backwages for illegally dismissed employees, using gross monthly pay, inclusive of allowances and benefits.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Duty to Comply With Treatment and the 120-Day Rule
A seafarer's failure to comply with prescribed medical treatment can justify extending the assessment period to 240 days, defeating a disability claim.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Suicide as a Defense Against Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when an employer may escape liability for seafarer death benefits by proving suicide as a willful act.