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 a Seafarer's Appeal Goes to the Wrong Forum: The Cost of a Mistaken Remedy
A seafarer's appeal to the Office of the President instead of the Court of Appeals proved fatal, as the Supreme Court upheld the finality of the labor ruling against him.
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
Death Benefits AND Contractual Limits Seafarers Rights Under Philippine LAW
Overseas Dreams AND Broken Promises Safeguarding Migrant Workers From Illegal Recruitment AND Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' injuries during onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims Establishing Work Relatedness FOR Compensation
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.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding Work-Relatedness in Philippine Maritime
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's pre-existing illness is compensable and the limits of the disputable presumption of work-relatedness.
Seafarers Disability When Standard Contracts Limit Compensation For Illnesses
SC rules basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule, entitling seafarer to disability benefits.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Without Substantial Evidence
Supreme Court rules seafarer's brief psychotic disorder not work-related; company-designated physician's assessment prevails absent substantial evidence of work causation.
Seafarers Must Comply With Post-Employment Medical Exams or Forfeit Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers who skip mandatory post-employment medical exams within three days forfeit disability claims, even for mental health conditions.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Cost of Skipping the Post-Employment Exam
A seafarer's failure to submit to the required post-employment medical exam within three days forfeits disability claims, even for depression.
Defining Accident in Seafarer Disability Claims: CBA Provisions Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury counts as an but a seafarer may still be entitled to full disability benefits under other CBA provisions.
Seafarers Disability Injury vs Accident: When Full Compensation Applies
Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury qualifies as an accident and when full disability compensation under a CBA applies.
Death Benefits FOR Seafarers Contract Expiration VS Time OF Demise
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Timely Medical Assessment and Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the role of company-designated physicians, and the importance of timely medical assessment.
Prescription of Seafarer Claims: Labor Code Prevails Over Standard Employment Contract
Supreme Court rules 3-year Labor Code prescription governs seafarer money claims, but death benefits require death during contract effectivity.
Seafarers Disability Claim Denied Strict Compliance With Reporting Rules
Philippine Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for failing the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination rule under the POEA contract.
Seafarers Disability: Work-Related Aggravation and Employer Liability
Supreme Court ruling on seafarer's colon cancer compensability, work-related aggravation, and employer liability for total disability benefits.
Mandatory Medical Reporting FOR Seafarers Forfeiture OF Benefits FOR NON Compliance
Seafarers Disability: When Permanent Unfitness Means Full CBA Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's disability is permanent and total, entitling full CBA compensation despite partial impediment grade.
Misconduct vs Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives
A seafarer's dismissal for a positive drug test is upheld, but the Court awards nominal damages for lack of due process.
Drug Testing on the High Seas: Upholding Seafarer Dismissal for Marijuana Use
Supreme Court rules on seafarer dismissal for positive marijuana test, due process, and drug test evidence in maritime cases.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA Contract
Explaining when seafarers can claim disability benefits under the POEA Standard Contract, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Bandila Maritime v. Dubduban.