The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a man for psychological violence under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, in a case involving his willful withdrawal of a marriage-license application after the woman became pregnant and the parties had publicly committed to marry.
The Case
The case arose from a relationship between the accused and a woman who became pregnant. The parties and their families had agreed to their marriage, and a marriage-license application was filed. The accused subsequently and secretly withdrew the application without informing the woman. He later married another woman.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld the conviction. The Court considered the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the marriage license application, including the woman’s pregnancy and the public circumstances surrounding the intended marriage. It found that the accused’s conduct, viewed in the circumstances established by the evidence, constituted psychological violence within the meaning of Republic Act No. 9262. The Court’s ruling was based on the particular circumstances established in the case and does not mean that every breach of a promise to marry constitutes psychological violence under the Anti-VAWC Act.
Penalty Modified
While the conviction was affirmed, the Supreme Court modified the penalty imposed. The accused was sentenced to an indeterminate prison term of two years, four months and one day as minimum to nine years and four months as maximum. The Court also ordered him to pay ₱75,000 in moral damages and ₱75,000 in exemplary damages, subject to the applicable interest.
Why the Decision Matters
The ruling illustrates that psychological violence under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act is not limited to physical abuse. The Court’s decision emphasizes the importance of examining the circumstances surrounding the accused’s conduct and its effect on the victim.
The Bottom Line
The decision highlights that conduct arising from a failed relationship may have criminal consequences when the circumstances establish psychological violence contemplated by Republic Act No. 9262. It should not, however, be understood to mean that every broken promise to marry constitutes psychological violence. Criminal liability depends on the specific facts and evidence established in each case.
Source
Supreme Court of the Philippines, XXX v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. E-00648, July 29, 2026.
Disclaimer
The discussion is based on general legal principles and is not a substitute for advice concerning the specific facts and circumstances of any particular case. The outcome of any particular case may depend on its specific facts, applicable law, and other circumstances.
This article is for general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
