Law School Noob: Supreme Court: 'Testimony of psychologist or psychiatrist not mandatory in all nullity of marriage cases based on psychological incapacity'

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Supreme Court: 'Testimony of psychologist or psychiatrist not mandatory in all nullity of marriage cases based on psychological incapacity'

In a Press Briefer dated May 12, 2021, the Supreme Court of the Philippines noted the following:

During the En Banc deliberation on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, the Court in the case of Tan-Andal v. Andal, G.R. No. 196359, unanimously modified the interpretation of the requirements of psychological incapacity as a ground for declaration of nullity of marriage found in Article 36 of the Family Code.

The Court pronounced that psychological incapacity is not a medical but a legal concept. It refers to a personal condition that prevents a spouse to comply with fundamental marital obligations only in relation to a specific partner that may exist at the time of the marriage but may have revealed through behavior subsequent to the ceremonies. It need not be a mental or personality disorder. It need not be a permanent and incurable condition. Therefore, the testimony of psychologist or psychiatrist is not mandatory in all cases. The totality of the evidence must show clear and convincing evidence to cause the declaration of nullity of marriage.

Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen was the ponente of the unanimous decision. Several concurring opinions were also submitted. The full opinion will be uploaded to the SC website once the PIO receives an official copy.

The full text of Tan-Andal v. Andal (G.R. No. 196359) is yet to be uploaded by the Supreme Court. Case digest to follow.

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