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.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: Abandonment, Infidelity, and the Cabutaje Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for psychological incapacity in the Cabutaje case, addressing abandonment, infidelity, and expert testimony.
Psychological Incapacity After Marriage: The Boado Ruling on Article 36 Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity can void a marriage, even if it manifests years after the wedding ceremony.
Proving Adultery in the Philippines: The Valencia Case and the Burden of Proof
Understand the high standard of proof for adultery in the Philippines through the Valencia case, including evidence rules and practical implications.
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsifying Court Documents: A Landmark Ethics Ruling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a nullity of marriage judgment, reaffirming the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Preterition in Philippine Wills: When Omitting a Compulsory Heir Invalidates Inheritance
Learn how preterition—omitting a compulsory heir—can annul a will's heir institution under Philippine law, with insights from Trinidad v. Trinidad.
Extrajudicial Settlement in the Philippines: Why Excluding Heirs Can Void the Deal
Learn how the Supreme Court protects excluded heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and what co-owners can still do with their shares.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Reconveyance for Void Contracts: Imprescriptible Actions Under Article 1410
When a land transfer rests on a void or inexistent contract, an action for reconveyance does not prescribe, protecting rightful owners.
Psychological Incapacity After Tan-Andal: The Laroco Ruling Explained
Understand how the Supreme Court's Laroco ruling applies the Tan-Andal framework on psychological incapacity, shifting focus to mutual incompatibility.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Santos-Macabata Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the high burden of proof for nullifying marriage on grounds of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Psychological Incapacity as Annulment Ground in the Philippines After Tan-Andal
Understand psychological incapacity as an annulment ground under Article 36, Family Code, as clarified by Tan-Andal and applied in Halog v. Halog.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Final Judgments Bind Successors in Interest: The Calubad Property Rule
A final court judgment binds buyers and mortgagees who acquire property after the ruling. Learn the Calubad case and due diligence lessons.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Direct vs. Collateral Attacks Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when challenging a land title's validity is a direct attack, not a collateral one, in quieting of title cases.
Overlapping Land Titles: Prior Certificate Prevails in Philippine Law
When two land titles cover the same property, the earlier certificate generally prevails. Learn the rule and its limits.
Can Pathological Gambling Nullify a Marriage? The Singson Ruling on Psychological Incapacity
The Supreme Court in Singson v. Singson clarifies when pathological gambling can—and cannot—nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Revival of Judgment: Why It Must Be Filed with the RTC, Not the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that actions to revive a judgment must be filed with the Regional Trial Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: What the Zamora Case Teaches Litigants
Learn how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes forum shopping, and what the Zamora ruling means for litigants filing multiple cases.
Quieting Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Lessons from Guntalilib v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting-of-title action is actually an annulment of title, and why substance prevails over form.
Quieting of Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting of title action is actually an annulment of title, and why the substance of a complaint matters.