Maritime and Seafarer Claims

The firm serves as a trusted local legal partner for international shipowners and their Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs, particularly in the handling of litigation involving Filipino seafarers. We provide legal representation in claims for disability and death benefits, as well as in other labor-related disputes, such as wrongful termination, underpayment of wages, and contract violations. These cases are typically litigated before the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

Anchored in the provisions of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, Migrant Workers Act, Labor Code of the Philippines, and existing jurisprudence, the firm safeguards the rights of foreign principals and manning agencies while ensuring compliance with the minimum labor standards set under Philippine law. This includes advisory and representation on matters related to:

• Repatriation obligations
• Medical repatriation and post-employment medical assessments
• Compensability of illnesses or injuries under the POEA-Standard Employment Contract (POEA-SEC) and applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Contractual disputes and disciplinary procedures

Beyond litigation, the firm provides corporate and regulatory compliance services to local manning agencies, including legal advisory on recruitment and deployment regulations, licensing under the DMW, and compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.

The Office is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines (MARLAW), reflecting the firm’s commitment to staying abreast of maritime legal developments and upholding the rights and obligations of parties within the maritime labor sector.