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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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.
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.
Attorney's Fees in Seafarer Disability Claims: New Supreme Court Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees may be awarded in seafarer disability cases, rejecting automatic grants and setting stricter standards.
Competency of Witnesses With Intellectual Disabilities: Safeguarding Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a witness, provided they can perceive and communicate their perceptions.
Seafarer Disability Claims Understanding Valid Medical Assessments AND Your Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a company-designated physician's medical assessment valid in seafarer disability claims, protecting seafarer rights.
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.
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.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Can a Seaman Recover Attorney's Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer can recover attorney's fees in disability claims, even without employer bad faith.
Seafarer Wins Attorney's Fees After Being Compelled to Litigate Disability Claim
Supreme Court reinstates attorney's fees for seafarer with Meniere's Disease, ruling he was compelled to litigate to recover disability benefits.
The Indefinite Assessment Seafarers Right To Disability Benefits Under Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' disability benefits when company doctors fail to issue timely final assessments.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: Why Timely Medical Assessments Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a final disability assessment within 120/240 days makes a seafarer's disability total and permanent.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Work-Related Connection for Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove their illness is work-related by substantial evidence, not merely allege it.
When a Company Doctor's Silence Ends a Seafarer's Claim: The Lingering Duty to Assess
A company-designated physician's failure to issue a final disability assessment within 240 days makes a seafarer's disability total and permanent by operation of law.
Double Jeopardy and Rape Conviction: What the Supreme Court Said About Due Process
A rape conviction upheld despite the victim's intellectual disability—here's why the Court refused to impose statutory rape.
Seafarers Disability Accident CBA Benefits and Employer Obligations in Maritime Employment
When a CBA governs seafarer disability, its better benefits prevail over the POEA-SEC, and employers must timely issue final medical assessments.
Abandonment of Medical Treatment Impact on Seafarer Disability Claims
How a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment affects a seafarer's claim for total and permanent disability benefits.
Untimely Medical Assessments Protecting Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits
When company doctors miss the deadline for a final assessment, a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Interest and Attorney's Fees in Maritime Disputes
Supreme Court affirms 6% legal interest and attorney's fees in seafarer disability case, clarifying rules on maritime compensation claims.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims THE Importance OF Timely Medical Assessments 2
Seafarers' Total Disability: The 120-Day Rule and Duty to Refer to a Third Doctor
When a company doctor's assessment lapses beyond 120 days without valid final grading, a seafarer may claim total permanent disability.
Seafarers’ Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Refuses Medical Attention
When a manning agency ignores a seafarer’s request for medical attention, it cannot use that failure to defeat a disability claim.
When Health Declares Unfit Seafarers Right TO Disability Benefits Beyond THE 240 Day Limit
Understand when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent under Philippine law, even beyond the 240-day medical assessment period.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Three-Day Reporting Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' disability claims and the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Overcoming the Presumption in Seafarer Disability Claims and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness in seafarer disability claims, and the mandatory third-doctor referral rule.