SUPREME COURT ISSUES KEY RULING ON EVIDENCE IN ANNULMENT CASES

The Supreme Court has ruled that testimonies from family members and close friends are admissible evidence in nullity of marriage cases to establish psychological incapacity.

In a decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Court upheld the annulment of Jeffery Green and Rowena Manlutac Green’s marriage, citing Rowena’s psychological unfitness from the start.

The ruling was based on a psychiatric evaluation supported by psychological tests and interviews with Jeffery, a mutual friend, and Rowena’s mother, which revealed patterns of dishonesty, infidelity, and financial recklessness.

Rowena was diagnosed with borderline and antisocial personality disorders, deemed incurable and rooted in childhood trauma.

The Court emphasized that testimonies from those close to the incapacitated spouse can provide credible insights into their mental state, and unless proven fabricated, are valid pieces of evidence under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 4, 2025