Case Digest

Infidelity and abandonment are not merely private matters; under the Anti-VAWC Law, they may constitute psychological violence when they result in mental or emotional anguish.

A contract of sale is void if executed by one without ownership or authority to transfer the property, and the issuance of a certificate of title does not cure this defect; moreover, a buyer cannot be deemed an innocent purchaser for value when circumstances on record cast doubt on the seller’s ownership.

If the employee is suffering from any of the occupational diseases or illnesses listed under Section 32(A) of the POEA-SEC, such disease is deemed to be work-related, provided the conditions set therein are satisfied.

There is constructive dismissal where “there is cessation of work because ‘continued employment is rendered impossible, unreasonable or unlikely, as an offer involving a demotion in rank or a diminution in pay’ and other benefits.

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.”