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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Tax Treaty Benefits in the Philippines: How to File a TTRA with the BIR
Tax treaty benefits in the Philippines are claimed by filing a Tax Treaty Relief Application with the BIR's International Tax Affairs Division before the transaction.
China–Philippines Tax Treaty Benefits: How Nonresidents Claim Relief
Understand China–Philippines tax treaty benefits and how to file a Tax Treaty Relief Application with the BIR's International Tax Affairs Division before the transaction.
Special Economic Zone Registration in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how special economic zone registration in the Philippines works, from choosing an ecozone to securing PEZA incentives and tax benefits.
Seafarer Disability Benefits in the Philippines: What Filipino Crew Members Should Know
A plain-language guide to seafarer disability benefits in the Philippines, covering who is a seafarer, the agencies involved, and how claims work.
Independent Contractor Classification Philippines: Risks for Employers
Misclassifying a worker as an independent contractor in the Philippines exposes employers to labor claims, back benefits, and liability. Learn the risks.
Maternity Leave in the Philippines: 105 Days and Other Benefits Under R.A. 11210
Learn the 105-day maternity leave rule in the Philippines, who qualifies, how to avail it, and extra benefits under R.A. 11210.
OWWA Membership in the Philippines: Benefits and How to Enroll
Learn about OWWA membership in the Philippines, its benefits for overseas Filipino workers, and how to enroll as a member.
OFW Reintegration Programs and Benefits in the Philippines: A Complete Guide
Learn about the Philippines' OFW reintegration program, the NRCO, and the benefits available to returning migrant workers under RA 10022 and RA 11641.
When an Interim Medical Assessment Is Not Enough: Seafarer Wins Full Disability Benefits
A company doctor's interim disability rating cannot cut off a seafarer's treatment or benefits. The Supreme Court explains why.
Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
Unwarranted Benefits Local Officials Liability FOR Illegal Insurance Agreements IN Pagsanjan
Supreme Court clarifies liability under Section 3(e) for mayors and councilors in illegal insurance contracts without public bidding.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When a Late or Vague Medical Assessment Means Automatic Total Disability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's incomplete or late medical assessment entitles a seafarer to permanent total disability benefits.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Can COA Demand a Refund of Disallowed Government Employee Benefits?
Learn when the COA can demand refunds of disallowed government benefits and when employees may be excused from returning them.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
Court Employee’s Drug Conviction Leads to Fine, Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a court utility worker’s drug conviction led to forfeited retirement benefits and permanent disqualification from public office.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Medical Assessment and Timelines Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers may claim total permanent disability benefits and why medical assessment timelines are critical.
COA Disallowances When ARE Government Officials Personally Liable TO Refund
Supreme Court clarifies when government officials must refund disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
When Personal Misconduct Impacts Public Trust Philippine Supreme Court Ruling ON Employee Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules when government officials receive disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
Fiscal Autonomy Limits: When Government Corporations CAN Grant Employee Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that government corporations like PhilHealth cannot grant employee benefits without presidential approval, even with fiscal autonomy provisions.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Work-Related Illness and Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness for seafarer death benefits under the POEA-SEC, shifting the burden of proof to employers.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Medical Abandonment and Its Consequences in the Philippines
When a seafarer fails to complete required medical treatment and re-evaluation, the right to disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains.
Understanding Special Leave Benefits for Women: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the procedural requirements for special leave benefits for women, emphasizing the importance of the three-day notice rule in motions.