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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Premature Disability Claims: Seafarers Must Follow Medical Assessment Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim is premature and why following the POEA-SEC medical assessment procedure matters.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Witness Testimony and the Defense of Denial
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, ruling that the trial court's assessment of witness credibility prevails over the accused's weak defenses of denial and alibi.
Conflicting Medical Opinions IN Seafarer Disability Claims Upholding THE Company Designated Physicians Assessment
Seafarer Disability Claims: Strict Compliance and Timely Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies 120-day vs 240-day rule for seafarer disability claims and the need for timely medical assessments.
Navigating Disability Benefits: The Significance of Timely Medical Assessments for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that seafarers may claim disability benefits for work-related illnesses even without a prompt company physician assessment.
When Waivers Fail: Prescription and Due Process in Tax Assessments
A waiver of the tax prescription period must strictly follow BIR rules; defects void it and bar assessment.
Tax Assessment Waivers and the Statute of Limitations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when waivers of the tax assessment period are invalid, and why prescription still bars the BIR from collecting deficiency taxes.
Seafarers Disability: Why Timely Medical Assessment by Company Doctors Matters
A seafarer's unresolved medical condition beyond 240 days can be deemed total and permanent disability. Learn the rules.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Weight of Company-Designated Physician Assessments
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the company-designated physician's assessment and timely procedures under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing company doctor assessments prevail absent third-doctor review under CBA.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Fitness TO Work Prevails Seafarers Disability Claim Denied Based ON Company Doctors Assessment
Seafarers Disability Benefits: Employer Must Pay Full Benefits Despite Initial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers entitled to full disability benefits when treatment exceeds 240 days, even with a lower disability rating.
Seafarers Disability Claims Mandatory Procedures AND THE Weight OF Medical Assessments
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company Doctor Assessments
Learn how the 240-day rule and company-designated physician assessments determine seafarer disability claims in Philippine maritime law.
Seafarer Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Procedures and Assessment Timelines
Learn how the 240-day rule and POEA-SEC procedures govern seafarer disability claims, and why following the assessment process matters.
Tax Assessment Limits and Due Process in Withholding Tax Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on prescription periods and due process requirements in tax assessments, using the Samar-I Electric Cooperative case.
Tax Assessment Prescription: When False Returns Extend the BIR's Reach
A Supreme Court ruling explains when the BIR may assess taxes within ten years instead of three, based on false returns and substantial underdeclaration.
Tax Evasion Cases: When a Prior Assessment Is Not Required for Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can prosecute tax evasion without a prior assessment, and what probable cause requires.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Medical Assessment AND Treatment Protocols
When Prolonged Illness Translates to Permanent Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A seafarer's stroke is work-related and compensable as permanent total disability when the company physician fails to issue a final assessment.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims and why the company-designated physician's assessment prevails.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Company Doctors and Independent Assessments Clash
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why seafarers must see a company-designated physician within three days of repatriation and what happens if they don't.