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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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: 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: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments
A seafarer's disability claim can fail if the company doctor's assessment is not timely challenged. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
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: 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.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Lack of Medical Assessment Means Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a definite medical assessment within 120 days can entitle a seafarer to permanent disability benefits.
When a "Fit to Work" Report Isn't Enough: Seafarers' Disability Claims and the 120-Day Rule
A company-designated physician's assessment must be definite and timely. Learn how the Reyes ruling protects seafarers' disability claims.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The 120/240-Day Rule and Timely Medical Assessments
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on timely, definitive medical assessments. The Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule.
Navigating Disability Claims: Why Comprehensive Medical Assessments Matter for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits highlights why complete, final medical assessments are crucial in maritime compensation claims.
Environmental Compliance and Impact Assessments in Reclamation Projects: The Villar v. Alltech Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan suffices for reclamation projects and the limits of the writ of kalikasan.
Mastering Tax Assessments: The Timeliness and Validity of Protests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects taxpayers' due process rights when BIR reassigns revenue officers mid-audit without a new Letter of Authority.
Due Process in Tax Assessments: Insights from the Yumex Philippines Case
The Supreme Court nullified a deficiency tax assessment for lack of due process. Learn the procedural rules from this landmark case.
Understanding TAX Assessments THE Importance OF Clear Factual Basis IN Philippine TAX Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax assessments must rest on solid factual grounds, not mere assumptions, to be valid and enforceable.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Importance of Timely Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that seafarers must receive a copy of the company doctor's final disability assessment within 120 or 240 days, or they may be deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Navigating Tax Assessments: Understanding the Limits of Declaratory Relief in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when declaratory relief cannot be used to challenge tax assessments, reinforcing the rule against enjoining tax collection.
Total and Permanent Disability: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A seafarer won total disability benefits because the company doctor's assessment was never given to him. Learn the rules.
Navigating Disability Benefits: The Importance of Medical Assessments for Seafarers
A look at United Philippine Lines v. Ramos, where the Supreme Court ruled on seafarers' disability benefits and the crucial role of proper medical assessment.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Timely Medical Notification Matters
A seafarer's disability claim can hinge on proper medical reporting. Learn the notification rules and 240-day assessment period.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Concealment Claims Fail and How to Claim Compensation
Learn when a seafarer can still claim disability benefits despite alleged concealment, and why the company-designated physician's final assessment matters.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Importance of Timely Appeals in the Philippines
Learn why timing matters in Philippine tax disputes and how missing an appeal deadline can forfeit a taxpayer's right to challenge an assessment.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Res Judicata and Medical Assessments Under POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed seafarer claim bars a later disability suit, and how conflicting medical opinions are resolved.
Navigating Excise Tax Refunds: The Two-Year Prescriptive Period in the Philippines
Understand the two-year prescriptive period for excise tax refunds in the Philippines and how the Supreme Court applies procedural rules in customs assessments.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Doctor's Assessment Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent despite a company doctor's partial disability rating.