Case Digest

Not all cases of encroachment bring the case within the ambit of accion reivindicatoria, as in this case, where recovery of ownership is not sought. Respondent did not even allege that petitioners disputed her title. Hence, there is no reason for the ownership of the property to be conclusively determined through an accion reivindicatoria.

Generally, to be considered an innocent purchaser for value, the buyer does not have any notice of defect or irregularity as to the right or interest of the seller, and the buyer is without notice that a third party has a claim to the subject property.

When tragedy strikes at a railroad crossing, who bears the burden of responsibility—the vehicle driver or the railway company? This case tackles PNR’s liability for negligence in ensuring public safety at crossings, despite the train’s right-of-way.

In the Anti-VAWC Act, the use of the gender-neutral word “person” who has or had a sexual or dating relationship with the woman encompasses even lesbian relationships.

Hence, their marriage must be annulled on the ground of fraudulent concealment of homosexuality pursuant to Article 45(3) in relation to Article 46(4) of the Family Code.

Under Section 20(D) of the POEA-SEC, “[n]o compensation and benefits shall be payable in respect of any injury, incapacity, disability or death of the seafarer resulting from his willful or criminal act or intentional breach of his duties, provided however, that the employer can prove that such injury, incapacity, disability or death is directly attributable to the seafarer.”

Philippine courts have jurisdiction over a petition for declaration of nullity of a bigamous marriage between a foreigner and a Filipino, even if the marriage was celebrated abroad.

Having been able to perform some marital obligations does not mean that one cannot be subsequently incapable of fulfilling some of the other obligations. Article 36 of the Family Code holds that psychological incapacity can manifest after the marriage’s solemnization, making it a viable ground for its nullity.

A romantic relationship does not equate to consent. The Supreme Court held that love is never a license for coercion, reiterating that even a partner can commit rape if sexual relations occur without the victim’s free and voluntary consent.

While the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (Anti-VAWC Act) provides that the offender be related or connected to the victim by marriage, former marriage, or a sexual or dating relationship, it does not preclude the application of the principle of conspiracy under the RPC.