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 Judge Assists Family in Court: Conduct Unbecoming and the Ban on Private Practice
A judge who coached his daughter and assisted his wife in an administrative case was fined for conduct unbecoming and practicing law.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's family relationship by affinity requires inhibition, and why a losing litigant's late complaint failed.
Affinity and Judicial Disqualification: What the Supreme Court Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when family relations by affinity disqualify a judge, and why mere allegations are not enough.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: What the Supreme Court Requires Under Article 36
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, or abandonment is not enough to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Family Court Jurisdiction and the Accused’s Right to a Valid Arraignment
When a case is filed in the wrong court, the proceedings are void—including the arraignment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Psychological Incapacity: When Expert Testimony Fails to Prove a Void Marriage
The Supreme Court explains when expert testimony on psychological incapacity fails to prove a void marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Lost Your Appeal? Timelines and Procedures in Philippine Corporate Rehabilitation Cases
Learn the strict appeal rules in corporate rehabilitation cases from BPI Family Savings Bank v. Pryce Gases, including the record on appeal requirement.
Psychological Incapacity Under Philippine Law: What Qualifies and What Does Not
The Supreme Court clarifies what does not qualify as psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code in Republic v. Galang.
Judicial Propriety and Impartiality: Lessons from a Family Court Judge’s Administrative Case
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges to avoid impropriety, intemperate language, and bias in the discharge of judicial duties.
Protecting Marital Assets When Corporate Debt Cannot Seize Family Property
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate debts cannot reach family property, and the proper remedy for third-party claims in labor execution.
When a Void Marriage Decree Can Be Issued Without Waiting for Property Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 void marriage decrees need not wait for property liquidation under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court explains what evidence proves psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code in Agraviador v. Agraviador.
Lawyer Disbarred for Filing Frivolous Cases Against Former Client in Revenge
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed 12 cases against former client and family to exact revenge for suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spousal Consent Is Void, Not Just Voidable
A sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under the Family Code. Buyers must verify the seller's authority to sell.
Estate Administration Prioritizing Family Ties Over Illegitimacy in Heir Selection
Supreme Court rules on appointing administrators, weighing family ties and adoption over illegitimacy bars in estate cases.
Spousal Consent in Conjugal Property Disposition Under the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains why a spouse cannot sell conjugal property without the other's written consent, and what buyers must verify.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Suazo v. Suazo Teaches About Proving Nullity of Marriage in th
The Supreme Court in Suazo v. Suazo clarifies what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage nullity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When a Family Trust Fails: Proving Partnership and Ownership After Death
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to prove a partnership existed and who owns family assets when a relative dies without formal documents.
Psychological Incapacity: When Personality Disorders Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that a diagnosis of personality disorders alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Forged Signatures and Land Disputes: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A forged deed of sale transfers no title under Philippine law. Learn how the Supreme Court protected family property rights in this landmark ruling.
Custody Rights and the Child's Welfare: Reassessing Habeas Corpus in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases aims to determine rightful custody, not just produce the child.
Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Family Home vs Creditors: When Annulment Doesn't Shield Property From Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a family home can be sold to settle debts after marriage annulment, and the finality of court orders.
Guardianship for the Weak-Minded: Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Family Exploitation
Supreme Court affirms guardianship over mentally weak adult with vast estate, protecting her from relatives who dissipated her properties.