Toxic chemicals and seafarer’s heart diseases   

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 02/25/2020

Seafarer’s medical conditions,  including cardiovascular diseases, can be attributed to their  constant exposure to hazards such as toxic chemicals and the varying temperature, coupled by stressful tasks in his employment. The Supreme Court recognized the relation of toxic chemicals…

Seafarers as ‘fishers of men’

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 01/28/2020

  The apostles of Jesus Christ were initially known as “fishers of men” which is  considered as the most important metaphor for evangelism. According to the gospel last Sunday, Christ first gathered his fishermen-disciples around him who later  disseminated…

Asserting one’s right is not  insubordination

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 01/21/2020

Asserting one’s right is not tantamount to insubordination in  dismissal cases.   This was the principle used by the  Supreme Court when it ruled that the seafarer was illegally dismissed in Transglobal Maritime Agency, Inc. , v. Vicente Chua, Jr.  ( G.R. No.…

Moral damages in labor  cases

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 01/14/2020

 Moral damages are awarded to compensate an employee for mental distress that has been caused by the bad faith manner by which they were treated  by their employer in relation to their labor claims. The employee is…

Total and permanent disability benefits of a seafarer undergoing continuous medical treatment

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 01/07/2020

A seafarer still undergoing medical treatment beyond the 120/240 day period despite an assessment from the company designated physician is entitled to total and permanent disability benefits. This principle was reiterated by the Supreme Court in the…

Stress and the work-related illnesses of seafarers

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 12/31/2019

A seafarer who suffered an illness on board the vessel must be compensated due to work-related stress. The Supreme Court has recognized that any kind of work or labor produces stress and strain. It is medically accepted…

Delisting as penalty in seafarer’s dismissal cases

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 12/24/2019

The  maximum penalty of disqualification  from maritime employment  or delisting from  the registry of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) may be imposed upon an erring seafarer depending on the gravity of the offense committed. Dismissal is the ultimate penalty that…

Final and definite disability assessments on seafarer’s benefits

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 12/17/2019

A final and definite disability assessment is necessary in order to truly reflect the true extent of the sickness or  injuries of the seafarer and his or her capacity to resume work as such. Otherwise, the corresponding disability…

WWII sexual slavery and violence  victims seek  justice before the United Nations

ATTY. DENNIS GORECHO 12/10/2019

Justice has not been given to World War II women victims of sexual slavery and violence as their fight for unequivocal public apology, accurate historical inclusion, and just compensation continues up to this day. Last November 25, the…

Seafarer’s Diabetes as compensable illness due to stress  

ATTY. DENNIS GORECHO 12/03/2019

A seafarer’s diabetes is considered a compensable work-related illness due to the  stressful work condition on board the vessel. In Apolinario Zonio, Jr vs. 88 Aces Maritime Services, Inc.,  (GR.No. 239052 October 16, 2019),  the Supreme Court…

Protection of seafarers’ rights and ambulance chasing

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 11/26/2019

The dwindling numbers of deployed seafarers are usually misleadingly blamed by employers and manning agencies on the increasing number of litigated cases. They have deliberately and sweepingly depicted seafarers’ lawyers as “unscrupulous” in an attempt to deflect…

Concealment of pre-existing illnesses and disability benefits

ATTY. DENNIS R. GORECHO 11/12/2019

A seafarer must fully  disclose past medical condition, disability and history in the pre-employment medical examination (PEME), otherwise his claim for disability benefits will be denied.  The POEA contract  bars the compensability of disability arising from a…

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.