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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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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Overcoming Concealment and Securing Benefits Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's failure to disclose pre-existing illness bars disability claims and how to secure benefits.
Diabetes and Hypertension: Proving Work Relatedness in Seafarer Disability Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court treats diabetes and hypertension claims for seafarer disability benefits under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Maximum Medical Improvement in Disability Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that "maximum medical improvement" alone is not a valid disability assessment, entitling seafarer to permanent total disability benefits.
The 240-Day Rule Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Full Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule for seafarers' disability claims, explaining when full permanent total disability benefits are due.
Seafarers Rights Work Related Illness AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Disability Claims
SC ruling on OFW illness, repatriation, and employer burden of proof in disability and termination cases.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Presumption of Work-Relatedness and Compensability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Timelines, Medical Assessments, and the Risk of Abandoning Treatment
When a seafarer abandons medical treatment before the 120-day assessment period ends, disability claims may fail. Understand the rules.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Material Concealment and Work-Related Illnesses
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's non-disclosure of a medical condition bars disability claims, and when a heart ailment is compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Disability Claims and Quitclaims: Lessons from the Idul Case
Understand how the Supreme Court resolved a seafarer's disability claim, the role of company-designated physicians, and why procedural rules matter.
Resignation and Commission Rights: Insights From a Philippine Labor Case
A seafarer's resignation and quitclaim can bar disability claims. Learn the rules on valid waivers and company doctor assessments.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule and Third Doctor Assessment
Learn how the 120/240-day rule and third doctor assessment affect seafarer disability claims, and when the POEA-SEC governs over a CBA.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120/240-Day Rule and the Third Doctor Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total, and why skipping the third-doctor referral can defeat a claim.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Company Doctor's Assessment Is Not Enough
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer may claim total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.