MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that a husband’s absence from his marital home may be considered clear evidence of psychological incapacity that can be used to revoke marriage.
In a decision by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Court nullified the marriage of Leonora Dela Cruz—Lanuza and Alfredo Lanuza Jr. on the ground of “psychological incapacity.”
“Decades-long unjustified absence from the marital home may be considered evidence of psychological incapacity to comply with marital obligations,” the high Court said in its report.
Leonora and Alfredo got married in June 1984. Over time, Alfredo’s behavior changed. He stopped supporting his family financially and treated Leonora like just another person living in their house, not as his wife.
He also had affairs outside of their marriage, the High Court said.
The couple separated in 1994, and after that, Alfredo married other women.
Leonora asked the court to annul their marriage, but the Regional Trial Court said there wasn’t enough proof of Alfredo’s other marriages. The Court of Appeals dismissed her request, so she took the case to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court declared their marriage invalid, stating that Alfredo’s long absence from their home showed he was psychologically incapable of fulfilling his duties as a husband.
“Alfredo’s infidelity, lack of support for his wife and children, and unjustified absence from his family indicate that he does not understand the responsibilities of a husband and father,” the Court said.
