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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Bigamy and the Second Spouse: Liability as an Accomplice Under Philippine Law
When can a second spouse be held liable for bigamy in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accomplice liability and marriage validity.
Second Marriages and SSS Benefits: Proving Legal Spousal Status for Social Security Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that only a legal spouse qualifies for SSS death benefits, even if the member designated a second wife as beneficiary.
Breach of Marital Vows: Disbarment for Bigamous Marriage Justified
A lawyer who contracts a second marriage while his first remains valid commits gross immorality warranting disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Psychological Incapacity and Marriage Nullity: Proving Grave and Incurable Conditions
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, requiring grave, incurable, and juridically antecedent conditions.
Reassessing Psychological Incapacity Expert Testimony in Philippine Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how expert testimony on psychological incapacity should be weighed in Philippine marriage nullity cases.
Marital Rape Upholding A Wifes Bodily Autonomy AND Rejecting THE Implied Consent Theory
The Supreme Court affirms that marriage does not imply consent to sexual relations, upholding a wife's bodily autonomy and rejecting the implied consent theory.
Property Division After Void Marriages: The Barrido v. Nonato Ruling
Explaining how the Supreme Court divides property acquired during void marriages under Article 147 of the Family Code.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.
Bigamy and the Need for a Judicial Declaration of Nullity Before Remarriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that contracting a second marriage without first securing a judicial declaration of nullity of the first constitutes bigamy.
Judges Cannot Notarize Cohabitation Affidavits for Marriages They Solemnize
Supreme Court rules MTC judges may not notarize affidavits of cohabitation for marriages they solemnize, citing Circular 1-90.
Psychological Incapacity vs. Mere Irresponsibility: The Supreme Court’s Clear Distinction in Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies that emotional immaturity and irresponsibility do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Presumption of Marriage Overcomes Lost Records in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how lost marriage records affect proof of marriage, presumption of marriage, and bigamy claims.
Presumption of Marriage: Proving Marital Status Beyond a Marriage Certificate
The Supreme Court clarifies how marital status is proven in the Philippines, emphasizing the presumption of marriage and the limits of documentary evidence.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Fraudulent Consent in Property Sales: Protecting Owners From Unknowing Transfers
Learn how Philippine courts handle property sales involving alleged fraud, void marriages, and co-ownership claims in this case analysis.
Marriage Validity: Intent vs Motive in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a marriage entered for immigration purposes is valid if consent is freely given; motive alone does not void it.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Estate Settlement Venue and Void Marriages: Key Lessons from Quiazon
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue rules and the right to challenge void marriages after death.
Bigamy and Prior Annulment: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Odtuhan
A prior annulment of the first marriage does not automatically erase bigamy liability. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Odtuhan.
Bigamy and Nullity of Marriage: When a Void Second Marriage Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a subsequent declaration of nullity of a second marriage does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Protecting Marital Integrity When a Prior Spouse Can Challenge a Bigamous Marriage
A prior spouse can ask Philippine courts to recognize a foreign judgment nullifying a bigamous marriage, protecting marital integrity.
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.
Psychological Incapacity Evidentiary Standards for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
Learn the evidentiary standards for proving psychological incapacity in Philippine marriage nullity cases, explained through the Mendoza ruling.