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.
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.
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.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Employers Must Issue Clear Disability Assessment
Supreme Court rules a company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total and permanent disability benefits.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments and Compensati
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare finding of non-work relation is not enough.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract and the burden of proof required.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Seafarers: A Guide to Legal Rights and Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarer disability benefits, appeal periods, and the difference between CBA accident claims and POEA-SEC compensation.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule on Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total due to delayed medical assessments by company-designated physicians.
Navigating Work-Related Injuries: Understanding Seafarer Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts decide seafarer disability claims, work-relatedness presumptions, and the risks of premature fit-to-work declarations.
Work-Related Injury: Defining Course of Employment in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-related illness presumption, and employer duties under POEA-SEC.
Perfecting an Appeal: Why Timely Payment of Fees Is Critical in Philippine Courts
Learn why timely payment of appellate docket fees is mandatory in Philippine courts and how failure to perfect an appeal can be fatal to a case.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
Work-Related Stress and Compensability of Peptic Ulcer Under Philippine Law
Explains GSIS v. Raoet, where the Supreme Court ruled peptic ulcer is compensable when work involves prolonged emotional or physical stress.
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Work-Related Heart Disease: Proving Your Employee Compensation Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on work-related heart disease claims under PD 626, and what evidence employees need to prove compensability.
Proving Work-Related Illness Claims: Substantial Evidence Standard in Philippine Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies substantial evidence standard for work-related illness compensation claims under P.D. 626, as amended.