4.

Procedure in actions for declaration of nullity

a. Requisite for valid remarriage, see VII (E)(10)(b) above
b. Safeguards against collusion, FC 48
FC48.The Court shall order the prosecuting atty or fiscal to appear on behalf of the
State to take steps to prevent collusion and make sure evidence is not
fabricated/oppressed
Case:Malcampo-Sin vs Sin- The fiscal presented only the
manifestation stating he found no collusion, and did not file any pleading, motion or
position paper at any stage of the proceeding. The States participation required by FC48
is not sufficient. The protection of marriage as a sacred institution requires not just the
defense of a true and genuine union, but the exposure of an invalid one as well. So RTC
erred in the dismissal (without State participation) of the petition for the declaration of
nullity of marriage.
Case:Ancheta vs Ancheta The RTC, in granting the motion to declare
defendant in default, and the public prosecutor for condoning it without protest, ignored
Rule 18, Sec 6 of the Rules of Court, where its stated that if the defendant in an action
for annulment of marriage or legal separation fails to answer, the court shall order the
prosecuting atty to make sure theres no collusion, and that the evidence is not fabricated.
FC 48(2) also states that in all cases of annulment or declaration of absolute nullity of
marriage, no judgment shall be based upon a stipulation of facts or confession of
judgment.
Case:Salmingo vs Rubica- Atthetime the petition for declaration of
nullity of marriage was filed, the Rules of Court applied, not yet the Rule on Declaration
of Absolute Nullity of Void Marriages and Annulment of Voidable Marriages. The
requirement that the trial court order the prosecutor to investigate whether collusion
exists in case the defendant in the declaration of nullity case files no answer is addressed
to the said court, not to the parties to the case nor to their counsel. Because Atty. Rubicas
involvement in the lapse in the prescribed procedure is absent, he cannot be faulted for it
c. No confession of judgment, FC 48, cf. NCC 2035 FC48. For annulment or declaration
of absolute nullity of marriage, the Court shall order the prosecuting official or fiscal to
appear on behalf of the State to prevent collusion and make sure evidence is not
fabricated. In such cases, no judgment shall be based upon a stipulation of facts or
confession of judgment.
cf.NCC2035- No compromise upon the following questions shall be valid:
1.The civil status of persons;
2.The validity of a marriage or a legal separation;
3.Any ground for legal separation; 4.Future support;
5.The jurisdiction of courts; 5.Future legitime.
d. AM No 02-11-10-SC. March 4, 2003The Rule on Declaration of Absolute Nullity
of Void Marriages and Annulment of Voidable Marriages
Case: Jocson vs Robles-The RTC correctly denied the motion for
summary judgment because the first paragraphs of Arts 88 and 101 of the Civil Code
expressly prohibit the rendition of a decree of annulment of a marriage upon a stipulation
of facts or a confession of judgment. So the affidavits annexed to the petition for
summary judgment practically amount to these methods not countenanced by the Civil
Code.
Case: Tolentino vs Villanueva- RTC judge denied petitioners motion
because he refused to submit himself to the fiscal who had to determine whether there
was collusion. Arts 88 and 101 of the CC expressly prohibit rendition of a decision in
suits for annulment of marriage and legal separation based on stipulation of facts or
confession of judgment. Art 101 also provides that in case of non-appearance of
defendant, the State shall order the prosecuting atty. to investigate possible collusion.
Case:Salcedo-Ortanez vs CA- Wire-tapped recordings inadmissible as
evidence, and is in fact a violation of RA 4200 (An Act to Prohibit and Penalize Wire
Tapping...). Writ of certiorari is generally not available to challenge an interlocutory
order, as the proper remedy is an ordinary appeal. However, when the interlocutory order
is patently erroneous, (admitting wire-tapped recordings), SC may allow certiorari.
Case:PescavsPescaPetitioner has failed both in her allegations in the
complaint and in her evidence to make out a case of PI on the part of the respondent, let
alone at the time of marriage. The term psychological incapacity as a ground for the
declaration of nullity of marriage under Art 36 of FC has been explained in Santos and
reiterated in Molina.
Case:Carlos vs Sandoval- AM 02-11-10-SC: The grounds for declaration
of absolute nullity of marriage must be proved. Neither judgment on the pleadings nor
summary judgment is allowed. Confession of judgment also prohibited. By issuing
summary judgment, TC has divested the State of its lawful right and duty to intervene in
the case. The participation of the State does not end with the declaration of the prosecutor
that no collusion exists. Active participation of the prosecutor or Sol Gen required
5. Effects of pendency of action for declaration of nullity- Art. 49, 213
FC49(not about parental authority but custody) The Court shall give
paramount consideration to the welfare of the children and their choice of
the parent with whom they wish to remain.
FC213.In case of separation of parents, parental authority shall be
exercised by the parentdesignated by the Court. Court shall take into account
all relevant considerations, especially the choiceofthechildover7yrs,
unless the parent is unfit.
FC198.In case of legal separation, the court may order that the guilty
spouseshallgivesupporttotheinnocentone, specifying the terms of such
order
FC50.The final judgment in such cases shall provide for the liquidation,
partition, and distribution of the properties of the spouses, the custody and
support of the common children, and the delivery of their presumptive
legitimes, unless such matters had been adjudicated in previous judicial
proceedings.
6. Effects of resjudicta
Case:Mallion vs Alcantara- Res judicata: (1) former judgment is final; (2)
it is rendered by a court having jurisdiction over the subject matter and the

parties; (3) it is a judgment on the merits; (4) there is- between the 1st & the
2nd identity of parties, of subject matter, and causes of action. If the same
facts or evidence sustain both actions, the two actions are considered the
same, and a judgment in the 1st case is a bar to the 2nd Petitioner was simply
invoking different grounds for the same cause of action.
FC54.Children conceived or born before the judgment of annulment or absolute nullity
of the marriage under Art 36 has become final and executory shall be considered
legitimate. Children conceived or born of the subsequent marriage under Article 53 shall
likewise be legitimate.
FC147.When a man and a woman who are capacitated to marry each other,
live exclusively with each other as husband and wife without the benefit of
marriage or under a void marriage, their wages and salaries shall be owned
by them in equal shares and the property acquired by both of them through
their work or industry shall be governed by the rules on co-ownership
1
In the absence of proof to the contrary, properties acquired while they lived
together shall be presumed to have been obtained by their joint efforts, work
or industry, and shall be owned by them in equal shares. For purposes of this
Article, a party who did not participate in the acquisition by the other party
of any property shall be deemed to have contributed jointly in the acquisition
thereof if the former's efforts consisted in the care and maintenance of the
family and of the household.
2
Neither party can encumber or dispose by acts inter vivos of his or her share
in the property acquired during cohabitation and owned in common, without
the consent of the other, until after the termination of thecohabitation.When
only one of the parties to a void marriage is in good faith, the share of the
party in bad faith in the co-ownership shall be forfeited in favor of their
common children. In case of default of or waiver by any or all of the
common children or their descendants, each vacant share shall belong to the
respective surviving descendants. In the absence of descendants, such share
shall belong to the innocent party. In all cases, the forfeiture shall take place
upon termination of the cohabitation.
FC148.In cases of cohabitation not falling under the preceding Art, only
the properties acquired by both of the parties through their actual joint
contribution of money, property, or industry shall be owned by them in
common in proportion to their respective contributions. In the absence of
proof to the contrary, their contributions and corresponding shares are
presumed to be equal. The same rule and presumption shall apply to joint
deposits of money and evidences of credit. If one of the parties is validly
married to another, his or her share in the co-ownership shall accrue to the
absolute community or conjugal partnership existing in such valid marriage.
If the party who acted in bad faith is not validly married to another, his or
her shall be forfeited in the manner provided in the last paragraph of the
preceding Article. The foregoing rules on forfeiture shall likewise apply
even if both parties are in bad faith.
FC43(2).The termination of the subsequent marriage referred to in the preceding Art
shall produce the following effects:
(2)The absolute community of property or the conjugal partnership, as the case may be,
shall be dissolved and liquidated, but if either spouse contracted said marriage in bad
faith, his or her share of the net profits of the community property or conjugal partnership
property shall be forfeited in favor of the common children or, if there are none, the
children of the guilty spouse by a previous marriage or in default of children, the innocent
spouse
cfFC102(4).Upon dissolution of the absolute community regime, the following
procedure shall apply
(4)The net remainder of the properties of the absolute community shall constitute its net
assets, w/c shall be divided equally bet. husband & wife, unless a different proportion or
division was agreed upon in the marriage settlements, or unless there has been a
voluntary waiver of such share provided in this Code. For purpose of computing the net
profits subject to forfeiture in accordance w/ Arts 43(2) & 63(2), the said profits shall be
the increase in value between the market value of the community property at the time of
the celebration of the marriage & the market value at the time of its dissolution.
[comparewith]
FC147.If a man and a woman who are capacitated to marry each other live exclusively
as husband and wife but did not get married or had a void marriage, the property acquired
by EITHER OR BOTH of them will be governed by the rules on co-ownership.
*Articlecoversonlyanunmarriedmanandunmarriedwomancohabitatingwithout
impedimentforalegalmarriage,ormarriedcouplewhosemarriagewasactuallyvoid
*ArticledoesNOTcoveradulterousrelations
*RulesonCOOWNERSHIPapplies,notabsolutecommunityofpropertyorconjugal
partnershipofgains(theirpropertiesarenotconsideredconjugalproperties)
FC148.In cases of cohabitation not falling under FC 147, only the properties acquired
by BOTH of them through their joint efforts will be owned by them in common
proportion to their respective contributions. If one of them is married to another person,
his/her share in the co-ownership will accrue to the conjugal partnership in his/her valid
marriage.
Case: ValdesvsQCRTCThis marriage was declared void under FC36. In a void
marriage, regardless of thecause, the property relations of the parties during the period of
cohabitation is governed by the provisions of FC147/148.
Art. 48. &Art. 49.
74.ProcedureinDeclarationofAbsoluteNullityofVoidMarriagesand
AnnulmentofVoidableMarriages.
[74.1]PretrialstageProhibitedcompromiseDecisionAppealRuleonliquidation,partition
anddistributionofpropertiesIssuanceofdecreeRegistrationandpublicationofdecree

EffectofdeathofpartiesGrantofprovisionalremediesorprotectionorders
InGeneralTheproceduregoverningpetitionsfordeclarationofabsolutenullityofvoid
marriagesandannulmentofvoidablemarriagesisnowgovernedbyA.M.No.021110

(bothtookeffectonMar15,2003)
SC andA.M.021112SC.
[74.2]JurisdictionTheFamilyCourtsshallhaveexclusiveoriginaljurisdictiontohear
anddecidecomplaintsforannulmentofmarriageanddeclarationofnullityofmarriage.
[74.3]VenueofActionThepetitionshallbefiledintheFamilyCourtoftheprovinceor
citywherethepetitionerortherespondenthasbeenresidingforatleastsixmonthsprior
tothedateofthefiling,orinthecaseofanonresident,wherehemaybefoundinthe
Philippines,attheelectionofthepetitioner.
[74.4]ContentsandFormofPetition

(a)Thepetitionshallallegethecompletefactsconstitutingthecauseofaction. Ifthe
groundofthepetitionisArt36oftheFC,thepetitionmustspeciallyallegethecomplete
factsshowingthateitherorbothpartieswerepsychologicallyincapacitatedfromcom
plyingwiththeessentialmaritalobligationsofmarriageatthetimeofthecelebrationof

marriageevenifsuchincapacitybecomesmanifestonlyafteritscelebration. The
completefactsshouldallegethephysicalmanifestations,ifany,asareindicativeof
psychologicalincapacityatthetimeofthecelebrationofthemarriagebutexpertopinion
neednotbealleged.
SEC.2.Petitionfordeclarationofabsolutenullityofvoidmarriages
(d)Whattoallege.ApetitionunderArt36oftheFCshallspecificallyallegethe
completefactsshowingthateitherorbothpartieswerepsychologicallyincapacitated
fromcomplyingw/theessentialmaritalobligationsofmarriageatthetimeofthe
celebrationofmarriage
Thecompletefactsshouldallegethephysicalmanifestations,ifany,asareindicative
ofpsychologicalincapacityatthetimeofthecelebrationofthemarriagebutexpert
opinionneednotbealleged.(Emphasissupplied)
Proceduralrulesapplytoactionspendingandunresolvedatthetimeoftheirpassage.The
obviouseffectofthenewRulesprovidingthatexpertopinionneednotbeallegedin
thepetitionisthatthereisalsononeedtoallegetherootcauseofthePI.Onlyexpertsin
thefieldsofneurologicalandbehavioralsciencesarecompetenttodeterminetheroot
causeofpsychologicalincapacity.SincethenewRulesdonotrequirethepetitionto
allegeexpertopiniononthepsychologicalincapacity,itfollowsthatthereisalsononeed
toallegeinthepetitiontherootcauseofthepsychologicalincapacity.
(b)Thepetitionshallstatethenamesandagesofthecommonchildrenofthepartiesand
specifytheregimegoverningtheirpropertyrelations,aswellasthepropertiesinvolved.
Ifthereisnoadequateprovisioninawrittenagreementbetweentheparties,the
petitionermayapplyforaprovisionalorderforspousalsupport,custodyandsupportof
commonchildren,visitationrights,administrationofcommunityorconjugalproperty,
andothermatterssimilarlyrequiringurgentaction.
(c)Thepetitionmustbeverifiedandaccompaniedbyacertificationagainstforum
shopping.Theverificationandcertificationmustbesignedpersonallybythepetitioner.
Nopetitionmaybefiledsolelybycounselorthroughanattorneyinfact.Ifthepetitioner
isinaforeigncountry,theverificationandcertificationagainstforumshoppingshallbe
authenticatedbythedulyauthorizedofficerofthePhilippineembassyorlegation,consul
general,consulorviceconsulorconsularagentinsaidcountry.
(d)Thepetitionshallbefiledinsixcopies.Thepetitionershallserveacopyofthe
petitionontheOfficeoftheSolicitorGeneralandtheOfficeoftheCityorProvincial
Prosecutor,withinfivedaysfromthedateofitsfilingandsubmittothecourtproofof
suchservicewithinthesameperiod.Failuretocomplywithanyofthepreceding
requirementsmaybeagroundforimmediatedismissalofthepetition.
[74.5]ServiceofSummons
TheserviceofsummonsshallbegovernedbyRule14oftheRulesofCourtandbythe
followingrules:(1)Wheretherespondentcannotbelocatedathisgivenaddressorhis
whereaboutsareunknownandcannotbeascertainedbydiligentinquiry,serviceof
summonsmay,byleaveofcourt,beeffecteduponhimbypublicationonceaweekfor
twoconsecutiveweeksinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationinthePhilippinesandin
suchplacesasthecourtmayorder.Inaddition,acopyofthesummonsshallbeservedon
therespondentathislastknownaddressbyregisteredmailoranyothermeansthecourt
maydeemsufficient.(2)Thesummonstobepublishedshallbecontainedinanorderof
thecourtwiththefollowingdata:(a)titleofthecase;(b)docketnumber;(c)natureofthe
petition;(d)principalgroundsofthepetitionandthereliefsprayedfor;and(e)adirective
fortherespondenttoanswerwithinthirtydaysfromthelastissueofpublication.
[74.6]NoMotiontoDismiss,NoDeclarationofDefault
Nomotiontodismissthepetitionshallbeallowedexceptonthegroundoflackof
jurisdictionoverthesubjectmatterorovertheparties;provided,however,thatanyother
groundthatmightwarrantadismissalofthecasemayberaisedasanaffirmativedefense

inananswer. Instead,therespondentmustfilehisanswerwithinfifteendaysfrom
serviceofsummons,orwithinthirtydaysfromthelastissueofpublicationincaseof
serviceofsummonsbypublication.Theanswermustbeverifiedbytherespondent

himselfandnotbycounselorattorneyinfact. Iftherespondentfailstofileananswer,

thecourtshallnotdeclarehimorherindefault. Inanactionforannulmentordeclaration
ofnullityofmarriageorforlegalseparation,anorderofdefaultisnotallowed.
[74.7]RoleofthePublicProsecutor
Wherenoanswerisfiledoriftheanswerdoesnottenderanissue,thecourtshallorder

thepublicprosecutortoinvestigatewhethercollusionexistsbetweentheparties. W/in
1monthafterreceiptofsuchcourtorder,thepublicprosecutorshallsubmitareporttothe
courtstatingwhetherthepartiesareincollusion&servecopiesthereofontheparties&

theirrespectivecounsels,ifany. Ifthepublicprosecutorfindsthatcollusionexists,he
shallstatethebasisthereofinhisreport.Thepartiesshallfiletheirrespectivecomments
onthefindingofcollusionw/in10daysfromreceiptofacopyofthereport.Thecourt
shallsetthereportforhearing&ifconvincedthatthepartiesareincollusion,itshall

dismissthepetition. Ifthepublicprosecutorreportsthatnocollusionexists,thecourt
shallsetthecaseforpretrial.Itshallbethedutyofthepublicprosecutortoappearfor
theStateatthepretrial.

Inonecase, whentherespondentinapetitionfordeclarationfornullityofmarriage
basedonArt36didnotfileananswerinCourt,thepublicprosecutorenteredhis
appearance,onbehalfoftheSolicitorGeneral,duringtheexpartepresentationof
petitionersevidenceandevencrossexaminedtheexpertwitnessofthepetitioner.The
SupremeCourtheldthatsuchactsdonotsufficetocomplywiththemandatory
requirementthatthecourtshouldorderthepublicprosecutortoinvestigatewhether
collusionexistsbetweentheparties.TheCourtreasonedthatsuchdirectivemustbemade
bythecourtbeforetrialcouldproceed,notafterthetrialonthemeritsofthecasehad
alreadybeenhad.
Theroleofthepublicprosecutororfiscalinannulmentofmarriage,declarationofnullity
ofvoidmarriagesandlegalseparationproceedingsistodeterminewhethercollusion
existsbetweenthepartiesandtotakecarethattheevidenceisnotsuppressedor

fabricated. Thus,inallcasesofannulmentordeclarationofabsolutenullityof
marriage,thecourtshallordertheprosecutingattorneyorfiscalassignedtoittoappear
onbehalfoftheStatetotakestepstopreventcollusionbetweenthepartiesandtotake

carethatevidenceisnotfabricatedorsuppressed. Ifthedefendantspousefailsto
answerthecomplaint,thecourtcannotdeclarehimorherindefaultbutinstead,should
ordertheprosecutingattorneytodetermineifcollusionexistsbetweentheparties.The
prosecutingattorneyorfiscalmayopposetheapplicationforlegalseparationor
annulment(ordeclarationofnullityofmarriages)throughthepresentationofhisown
evidence,ifinhisopinion,theproofadducedisdubiousandfabricated.
Tuazon vs. Court of Appeals 256 SCRA 158 (1996)
FACTS: The wife filed a petition for declaration of nullity of her marriage on the
ground of psychological incapacity on the part of her husband. The husband
answered the petition denying the imputation of psychological incapacity on his
part. Trial then commenced. The petitioner presented her evidence. After
petitioner rested her case, the court scheduled the reception of the husbands
evidence on May 11, 1990. The husbands counsel, however, moved for the
postponement of the hearing to June 8, 1990. On June 8, 1990, the husband
failed to appear. On motion of the petitioner, the court declared the husband to
have waived the right to present evidence on his behalf. On June 29, 1990, the
court rendered a judgment declaring the nullity of the marriage. No appeal was
taken from said decision. When the wife, however, filed a motion for dissolution
of the conjugal partnership and adjudication to her of the conjugal properties, the
husband filed a petition for relief from judgment questioning the decision of the
trial court. His petition was dismissed, both by the trial court and the Court of
Appeals. He then elevated the matter to the Supreme Court. In his appeal before
the Supreme Court, the husband claims that he was deprived of due process. He
cites Article 48 of the Family Code. He further contends that when he failed to
appear during the scheduled hearings for presentation of his evidence, the trial
court should have ordered the prosecuting attorney to intervene for the State and
inquire as to the reason for his non-appearance. In de- bunking the husbands
contention, the Court explained
The facts in the case at bar do not call for the strict application of Articles 48 and
60 of the Family Code. For one, petitioner was not declared in default by the trial
court for failure to answer. Petitioner filed his answer to the complaint and
contested the cause of action alleged by private respondent. He actively
participated in the proceedings below by filing several pleadings and crossexamining the witnesses of private respondent. It is crystal clear that every stage
of the litigation was characterized by a no-holds barred contest and not by
collusion.
The role of the prosecuting attorney or fiscal in annulment of marriage and legal
separation proceedings is to determine whether collusion exists between the
parties and to take care that the evidence is not suppressed or fabricated.
Petitioners vehement opposition to the annulment proceedings negates the
conclusion that collusion existed between the parties. There is no allegation by
the petitioner that evidence was suppressed or fabricated by any of the parties.
Under these circumstances, we are convinced that the non- intervention of a
prosecuting attorney to assure lack of collusion between the contending parties
is not fatal to the validity of the proceedings in the trial court.
[74.8]PretrialStage
Pretrialismandatory. Ifthepetitionerfailstoappearpersonally,thecaseshallbe
dismissedunlesshiscounseloradulyauthorizedrepresentativeappearsincourtand

provesavalidexcuseforthenonappearanceofthepetitioner. Iftherespondenthas
filedhisanswerbutfailstoappear,thecourtshallproceedwiththepretrialandrequire
thepublicprosecutortoinvestigatethenonappearanceoftherespondentandsubmit
withinfifteendaysthereafterareporttothecourtstatingwhetherhisnonappearanceis
duetoanycollusionbetweentheparties.Ifthereisnocollusion,thecourtshallrequire
thepublicprosecutortointervenefortheStateduringthetrialonthemeritstoprevent

suppressionorfabricationofevidence. Failuretofilethepretrialbriefortocomplywith

itsrequiredcontentsshallhavethesameeffectasfailuretoappearatthepretrial.
[74.9]ProhibitedCompromise
Thecourtshallnotallowcompromiseonprohibitedmatters,suchastheff:(a)Thecivil
statusofpersons;(b)Thevalidityofamarriageorofalegalseparation;(c)Anyground
forlegalseparation;(d)Futuresupport;(e)Thejurisdictionofcourts;&(f)Future

legitime.
[74.10]Decision
Ifthecourtrendersadecisiongrantingthepetition,itshalldeclarethereinthatthedecree
ofabsolutenullityordecreeofannulmentshallbeissuedbythecourtonlyafter
compliancewithArts50&51oftheFCasimplementedundertheRuleonLiquidation,

PartitionandDistributionofProperties.
Theparties,includingtheSolicitorGeneralandthepublicprosecutor,shallbeserved
withcopiesofthedecisionpersonallyorbyregisteredmail.Iftherespondentsummoned

bypublicationfailedtoappearintheaction,thedispositivepartofthedecisionshallbe

publishedonceinanewspaperofgeneralcirculation.
Thedecisionbecomesfinalupontheexpirationoffifteendaysfromnoticetotheparties.
Entryofjudgmentshallbemadeifnomotionforreconsiderationornewtrial,orappeal

isfiledbyanyofthepartiesthepublicprosecutor,ortheSolicitorGeneral. Uponthe
finalityofthedecision,thecourtshallforthwithissuethecorrespondingdecreeifthe

partieshavenoproperties. Ifthepartieshaveproperties,thecourtshallobservethe

procedureprescribedundertheRuleonLiquidation,Partition&DistributionofProperties.
TheentryofjudgmentshallberegisteredintheCivilRegistrywherethemarriagewas
recordedandintheCivilRegistrywheretheFamilyCourtgrantingthepetitionfor
declarationofabsolutenullityorannulmentofmarriageislocated.
[74.11]Appeal
Noappealfromthedecisionshallbeallowedunlesstheappellanthasfiledamotionfor

reconsiderationornewtrialwithinfifteendaysfromnoticeofjudgment. Anaggrieved
partyortheSolicitorGeneralmayappealfromthedecisionbyfilingaNoticeofAppeal
withinfifteendaysfromnoticeofdenialofthemotionforreconsiderationornewtrial.

Theappellantshallserveacopyofthenoticeofappealontheadverseparties.
[74.12]RuleonLiquidation,PartitionandDistributionofProperties
Uponentryofthejudgmentgrantingthepetition,or,incaseofappeal,uponreceiptof
theentryofjudgmentoftheappellatecourtgrantingthepetition,theFamilyCourt,on
motionofeitherparty,shallproceedwiththeliquidation,partitionanddistributionofthe
propertiesofthespouses,includingcustody,supportofcommonchildrenanddeliveryof
theirpresumptivelegitimespursuanttoArts50&51oftheFCunlesssuchmattershad

beenadjudicatedinpreviousjudicialproceedings.
Failuretocomplywiththepartitionanddistributionofthepropertiesofthespousesand
thedeliveryofthechildrenspresumptivelegitimesrequiredunderArts50&51shall
renderanysubsequentmarriagebythepartiestothepreviousmarriagenullandvoid.
[74.13]IssuanceofDecree
ThecourtshallissuetheDecreeofdeclarationofabsolutenullityorannulmentof
marriageaftercompliancewiththefollowingrequirements:(1)registrationoftheentry
ofjudgmentgrantingthepetitionfordeclarationofnullityorannulmentofmarriagein
theCivilRegistrywherethemarriagewascelebratedandintheCivilRegistryofthe
placewheretheFamilyCourtislocated;(2)registrationoftheapprovedpartitionand
distributionofthepropertiesofthespouses,intheproperRegisterofDeedswherethe
realpropertiesarelocated;and(3)thedeliveryofthechildrenspresumptivelegitimesin

cash,property,orsoundsecurities. ThecourtshallquoteintheDecreethedispositive
portionofthejudgmententeredandattachtotheDecreetheapproveddeedofpartition.
ExceptinthecaseofchildrenunderArts36&53oftheFC,thecourtshallordertheLocalCivil
Registrartoissueanamendedbirthcertindicatingthenewcivilstatusofthechildrenaffected.

[74.14]RegistrationandPublicationofDecree
TheprevailingpartyshallcausetheregistrationoftheDecreeintheCivilRegistrywhere
themarriagewasregistered,theCivilRegistryoftheplacewheretheFamilyCourtis
situated,andintheNationalCensusandStatisticsOffice.Heshallreporttothecourt
compliancewiththisrequirementwithinthirtydaysfromreceiptofthecopyofthe

Decree. TheregisteredDecreeshallbethebestevidencetoprovethedeclarationof
absolutenullityorannulmentofmarriageandshallserveasnoticetothirdpersons
concerningthepropertiesofpetitionerandrespondentaswellasthepropertiesor

presumptivelegitimesdeliveredtotheircommonchildren. Failuretocausethe
registrationoftheDecreeshallrenderthesubsequentmarriagesoftheformerspousesin
thepreviousmarriagenullandvoid.Incaseserviceofsummonswasmadebypublication,
thepartiesshallcausethepublicationoftheDecreeonceinanewspaperofgeneralcirculation.

[74.15]EffectsofDeathofParties
Incaseapartydiesatanystageoftheproceedingsbeforetheentryofjudgment,the
courtshallorderthecaseclosedandterminated,withoutprejudicetothesettlementofthe

estateinproperproceedingsintheregularcourts. Itthusappearthatadirectproceeding
forthepurposeofobtainingajudicialdeclarationofnullityofavoidmarriagemayno
longerbefiled,oriffiled,maynolongerprosperafterthedeathofeitherofthepartyto
suchvoidmarriagebeforeentryofjudgment.Thisdoesnotmean,however,thatavoid
marriagemaynolongerbequestionedafterthedeathofeitherpartysinceitisbeyond

doubtthatsuchmarriageisstillsubjecttoacollateralattack. However,ifthemarriageis
merelyvoidable,thereisnodoubtthatitmaynolongerprospersinceitcanbeassailed
onlyduringthelifetimeofthepartiesandnotafterdeathofeither,inw/ccasetheparties
andtheiroffspringwillbeleftasifthemarriagehadbeenperfectlyvalid.Ifthepartydies
aftertheentryofjudgmentofnullity/annulment,thejudgmentshallbebindinguponthe
partiesandtheirsuccessorsininterestinthesettlementoftheestateintheregularcourts,
whetherthejudgmentisoneofannulmentorofdeclarationofnullityofamarriage.
[74.16]GrantofProvisionalRemediesorProtectionOrders
Uponreceiptofaverifiedpetitionfordeclarationofabsolutenullityofvoidmarriageor
forannulmentofvoidablemarriage,orforlegalseparation,andatanytimeduringthe
proceeding,thecourt,motupropriooruponapplicationunderoathofanyoftheparties,
guardianordesignatedcustodian,mayissueprovisionalordersandprotectionorderswith
orwithoutahearing.Theseordersmaybeenforcedimmediately,w/orw/outabond,and
forsuchperiodandundersuchtermsandconditionsasthecourtmaydeemnecessary.
(a)SpousalSupport
Indeterminingsupportforthespouses,thecourtmaybeguidedbythefollowingrules:
(a)Intheabsenceofadequateprovisionsinawrittenagreementbetweenthespouses,
thespousesmaybesupportedfromthepropertiesoftheabsolutecommunityorthe
conjugalpartnership.(b)Thecourtmayawardsupporttoeitherspouseinsuchamount
andforsuchperiodoftimeasthecourtmaydeemjustandreasonablebasedontheir
standardoflivingduringthemarriage.(c)Thecourtmaylikewiseconsiderthefollowing
factors:(1)whetherthespouseseekingsupportisthecustodianofachildwhose
circumstancesmakeitappropriateforthatspousenottoseekoutsideemployment;(2)the
timenecessarytoacquiresufficienteducationandtrainingtoenablethespouseseeking
supporttofindappropriateemployment,andthatspousesfutureearningcapacity;(3)the

durationofthemarriage;(4)thecomparativefinancialresourcesofthespouses,
includingtheircomparativeearningabilitiesinthelabormarket;(5)theneedsand
obligationsofeachspouse;(6)thecontributionofeachspousetothemarriage,including
servicesrenderedinhomemaking,childcare,education,andcareerbuildingoftheother
spouse;(7)theageandhealthofthespouses;(8)thephysicalandemotionalconditions
ofthespouses;(9)theabilityofthesupportingspousetogivesupport,takinginto
accountthatspousesearningcapacity,earnedandunearnedincome,assets,andstandard
ofliving;and(10)anyotherfactorthecourtmaydeemjustandequitable.(d)TheFamily
Courtmaydirectthedeductionoftheprovisionalsupportfromthesalaryofthespouse.
(b)ChildSupport
Thecommonchildrenofthespousesshallbesupportedfromthepropertiesofthe

absolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnership.
Subjecttothesounddiscretionofthecourt,eitherparentorbothmaybeorderedtogive
anamountnecessaryforthesupport,maintenance,&educationofthechild.Itshallbein
proportiontotheresourcesormeansofthegiver&tothenecessitiesoftherecipient.
Indeterminingtheamountofprovisionalsupport,thecourtmaylikewiseconsidertheff
factors:(1)financialresourcesofthecustodialandnoncustodialparentandthoseofthe
child;(2)physicalandemotionalhealthofthechildandhis/herspecialneeds&
aptitudes;(3)standardoflivingthechildhasbeenaccustomedto;(4)thenonmonetary
contributionsthattheparentswillmaketowardthecare&wellbeingofthechild.
FamilyCourtmaydirectthedeductionoftheprovisionalsupportfromthesalaryoftheparent.

(c)ChildCustody
Indeterminingtherightpartyorpersontowhomthecustodyofthechildoftheparties
maybeawardedpendingthepetition,thecourtshallconsiderthebestinterestsofthe
childandshallgiveparamountconsiderationtothematerial&moralwelfareofthechild.
Thecourtmaylikewiseconsiderthefollowingfactors:(a)theagreementoftheparties;
(b)thedesireandabilityofeachparenttofosteranopenandlovingrelationshipbetween
thechildandtheotherparent;(c)thechildshealth,safety,andwelfare;(d)anyhistory
ofchildorspousalabasebythepersonseekingcustodyorwhohashadanyfilial
relationshipwiththechild,includinganyonecourtingtheparent;(e)thenatureand
frequencyofcontactwithbothparents;(f)habitualuseofalcoholorregulated
substances;(g)maritalmisconduct;(h)themostsuitablephysical,emotional,spiritual,
psychologicalandeducationalenvironment;and(i)thepreferenceofthechild,ifover
sevenyearsofageandofsufficientdiscernment,unlesstheparentchosenisunfit.
Thecourtmayawardprovisionalcustodyinthefforderofpreference:(1)tobothparents
jointly;(2)toeitherparenttakingintoaccountallrelevantconsiderationsunderthe
foregoingparagraph,especiallythechoiceofthechildoversevenyearsofage,unlessthe
parentchosenisunfit;(3)tothesurvivinggrandparent,orifthereareseveralofthem,to
thegrandparentchosenbythechildoversevenyearsofage&ofsufficientdiscernment,
unlessthegrandparentisunfitordisqualified;(4)totheeldestbrotherorsisterover
twentyoneyearsofage,unlessheorsheisunfit/disqualified;(5)tothechildsactual
custodianover21yearsofage,unlessunfitordisqualified;or(6)toanyotherperson
deemedbythecourtsuitabletoprovidepropercare&guidanceforthechild.
Thecustodiantemporarilydesignatedbythecourtshallgivethecourt&theparents5day
noticeofanyplantochangetheresidenceofthechildortakehimoutofhisresidenceformore
than3daysprovideditdoesnotprejudicethevisitationrightsoftheparents.
(d)VisitationRights

Appropriatevisitationrightsshallbeprovidedtotheparentwhoisnotawarded
provisionalcustodyunlessfoundunfitordisqualifiedbythecourt.
(e)HoldDepartureOrder
Pendingresolutionofthepetition,nochildofthepartiesshallbebroughtoutofthe

countrywithoutpriororderfromthecourt. Thecourt,motupropriooruponapplication
underoath,mayissueexparteaholddepartureorder,addressedtotheBureauof
ImmigrationandDeportation,directingitnottoallowthedepartureofthechildfromthe
Philippineswithoutthepermissionofthecourt.
TheFamilyCourtissuingtheholddepartureordershallfurnishtheDepartmentof
ForeignAffairsandtheBureauofImmigrationandDeportationoftheDepartmentof
Justiceacopyoftheholddepartureorderissuedw/in24hrsfromthetimeofitsissuance
&throughthefastestavailablemeansoftransmittal.
Theholddepartureordershallcontainthefollowinginformation:(a)thecompletename
(includingthemiddlename),thedateandplaceofbirth,andtheplaceoflastresidenceof
thepersonagainstwhomaholddepartureorderhasbeenissuedorwhosedeparturefrom
thecountryhasbeenenjoined;(b)thecompletetitleanddocketnumberofthecasein
whichtheholddeparturewasissued;(c)thespecificnatureofthecase;&(d)thedateof

theholddepartureorder.
Ifavailable,arecentphotographofthepersonagainstwhomaholddepartureorderhas
beenissuedorwhosedeparturefromthecountryhasbeenenjoinedshouldalsobe
included.
Thecourtmayrecalltheordermotupropriooruponverifiedmotionofanyoftheparties
aftersummaryhearing,subjecttosuchtermsandconditionsasmaybenecessaryforthe
bestinterestsofthechild.
(f)OrderofProtection
ThecourtmayissueanOrderofProtectionrequiringanyperson:(a)tostayawayfrom
thehome,school,business,orplaceofemploymentofthechild,otherparentoranyother
party,andtostayawayfromanyotherspecificplacedesignatedbythecourt;(b)to
refrainfromharassing,intimidating,orthreateningsuchchildortheotherparentorany
persontowhomcustodyofthechildisawarded;(c)torefrainfromactsofcommission
oromissionthatcreateanunreasonablerisktothehealth,safety,orwelfareofthechild;
(d)topermitaparent,orapersonentitledtovisitationbyacourtorderoraseparation
agreement,tovisitthechildatstatedperiods;(e)topermitadesignatedpartytoenterthe
residenceduringaspecifiedperiodoftimeinordertotakepersonalbelongingsnot
contestedinaproceedingpendingwiththeFamilyCourt;(f)tocomplywithsuchother
ordersasarenecessaryfortheprotectionofthechild.
(g)AdministrationofCommonProperty
Ifaspousew/outjustcauseabandonstheotherorfailstocomplywithhis/herobligations

tothefamily,thecourtmay,uponapplicationoftheaggrievedpartyunderoath,issuea
provisionalorderappointingtheapplicantorathirdpersonasreceiver/soleadministrator
ofthecommonpropertysubjecttosuchprecautionaryconditionsitmayimpose.
Thereceiveroradministratormaynotdisposeoforencumberanycommonpropertyor
specificseparatepropertyofeitherspousewithoutpriorauthorityofthecourt.
TheprovisionalorderissuedbythecourtshallberegisteredintheproperRegisterof
Deeds&annotatedinalltitlesofpropertiessubjectofthereceivershiporadministration.
Art. 50. &Art. 51.
75.EffectsofJudicialDeclarationofNullityOfMarriage
[75.1]InGeneral

Voidmarriages,likevoidcontracts,areinexistentfromtheverybeginning
andno

judicialdecreeisrequiredtoestablishtheirnullity. Thus,thegeneralruleisifthe
marriageisvoidabinitio,itisipsofactovoidwithoutneedofanyjudicialdeclarationof

nullity. ItisonlybywayofexceptionthattheFamilyCode requiresajudicialdeclaration

ofnullityofthepreviousmarriagebeforeasubsequentmarriageiscontracted.
As

clarifiedbytheCourtinDomingovs.CA, apriorandseparatedeclarationofnullityofa

marriageisanallimportantconditionprecedentonlyforpurposesofremarriage. Thatis,
ifapartywhoispreviouslymarriedwishestocontractasecondmarriage,heorshehas
toobtainfirstajudicialdecreedeclaringthefirstmarriagevoid,beforeheorshecould

contractsaidsecondmarriage,otherwisethesecondmarriagewouldbevoid. Thesame
ruleappliesevenifthefirstmarriageispatentlyvoidbecausethepartiesarenotfreeto

determineforthemselvesthevalidityorinvalidityoftheirmarriage. However,for
purposesotherthanremarriage,nojudicialactionisnecessarytodeclareamarriagean
absolutenullity.
Thus,underordinarycircumstances,theeffectofavoidmarriage,sofarasconcernsthe
conferringoflegalrightsupontheparties,isasthoughnomarriagehadevertakenplace.
Andtherefore,beinggoodfornolegalpurpose,itsinvaliditycanbemaintainedinany
proceedinginwhichthefactofmarriagemaybematerial,eitherdirectorcollateral,in
anycivilcourtbetweenthepartiesatanytime,whetherbeforeorafterthedeathofeither

orboththehusbandandthewife, anduponmereproofofthefactsrenderingsuch
marriagevoid,itwillbedisregardedortreatedasnonexistentbythecourts.
[75.2]RetroactivityofJudicialDeclaration

Amarriagethatisvoidabinitioisconsideredashavingnevertohavetakenplace. As
such,thejudicialdeclarationofthenullityofthemarriageretroactstothedateofthe
celebrationofthemarriageinsofarasthevinculumbetweenthespousesisconcerned.
[75.3]EffectontheStatusofChildren
Allchildrenconceivedandbornoutsideavalidmarriageareillegitimate,unlessthelaw

itselfgivesthemlegitimatestatus.
Hence,childrenbornofvoidmarriagesareconsidered

illegitimate exceptthosebornofvoidmarriagesunderArts36&53oftheFC,whichare
exceptionallyconsideredlegitimate.
Art54oftheCodeprovidestheseexceptions:Childrenconceivedorbornbeforethe
judgmentofannulmentorabsolutenullityofthemarriageunderArticle36hasbecome
finalandexecutoryshallbeconsideredlegitimate.Childrenconceivedorbornofthe
subsequentmarriageunderArt53shalllikewisebelegitimate.
Aspreviouslydiscussed,childrenbornofmarriagesthataredeclaredvoidunderArt40
areconsideredillegitimatesincethelatterprovisionprovidesforagrounddistinctand
separatefromthatprovidedforinArt53,inrelationtoArts52&35(6),oftheFC.
[75.4]EffectonPropertyRelations
Oneoftheeffectsofthedeclarationofnullityofmarriageistheseparationofthe

propertyofthespousesaccordingtotheapplicablepropertyregime. Inavoidmarriage,
regardlessofthecausethereof,thepropertyrelationsofthepartiesduringtheperiodof
cohabitationisgovernedbytheprovisionsofArt147or148,suchasthecasemaybe,of

theFC. Art147appliestounionsofpartieswhoarelegallycapacitatedandnotbarredby
anyimpedimenttocontractmarriage,butwhosemarriageisnonethelessvoidforother

reasons,liketheabsenceofamarriagelicense. Art148,ontheotherhand,referstothe
propertyregimeofbigamousmarriages,adulterousrelationships,relationshipsinastate
ofconcubine,relationshipswherebothmanandwomanaremarriedtootherpersons,
multiplealliancesofthesamemarriedman.
Intheliquidationandpartitionofthepropertyownedincommonbythespousesinavoid
marriage,theprovisionsoncoownershipundertheCivilCodeordinarilyapplies,not
Articles50,51&52,inrelationtoArts102&129,oftheFC.Therulessetuptogovern
theliquidationofeithertheabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnershipofgains,the
propertyregimesrecognizedforvalidandvoidablemarriages(inthelatteruntilthe
contractisannulled),areirrelevanttotheliquidationofthecoownershipthatexists
betweenthespousesinavoidmarriage.
Art50oftheFC,however,byitsexplicitterms,makesapplicabletheprovisionsof
paragraph(2)ofArt43tovoidmarriagesunderArt40oftheFC,i.e.,thedeclarationof
nullityofasubsequentmarriagecontractedbyaspouseofapriorvoidmarriagebefore

thelatterisjudiciallydeclaredvoid. Saidparagraphprovides,asfollows:
Art.43.
Inotherwords,formarriageswhicharedeclaredvoidunderArt40oftheFC,therules
governingtheliquidationofeithertheabsolutecommunityortheconjugalpartnership of
gainsareapplicable,exceptthatthespousewhocontractedthesubsequentmarriagein
badfaithshallforfeithis/hershareofthenetprofitsofthecommunityproperty/conjugal
partnershippropertyinfavorofthecommonchildrenor,iftherearenone,thechildrenof
thesaidguiltyspousebyapreviousmarriageorindefaultofchildren,theinnocentspouse.
Theforegoingisaspecialrulethatsomehowrecognizesthephilosophyandanold
doctrinethatvoidmarriagesareinexistentfromtheverybeginningandnojudicialdecree

isnecessarytoestablishtheirnullity. Innowrequiringforpurposesofremarriage,the
declarationofnullitybyfinaljudgmentofthepreviouslycontractedvoidmarriage,the
presentlawaimstodoawaywithanycontinuinguncertaintyonthestatusofthesecond

marriage. ItisnotthenillogicalfortheprovisionsofArt43,inrelationtoArts41&42,
oftheFC,ontheeffectsoftheterminationofasubsequentmarriagecontractedduring
thesubsistenceofapreviousmarriagetobemadeapplicableprohacvice.

[75.5]EffectonDonationsPropterNuptias
Ifthemarriageisjudiciallydeclaredvoidabinitio,thedonormayrevokethedonation

propternuptias. However,ifthedonationwasmadeinthemarriagesettlement,thesame
shallbevoidifthemarriageislaterjudiciallydeclaredvoidabinitio.
Theruleisdifferent,however,ifthemarriageisjudiciallydeclaredvoidunderArt40,
i.e.,thedeclarationofnullityofasubsequentmarriagecontractedbyaspouseofaprior
voidmarriagebeforethelatterisjudiciallydeclaredvoid.Inthelattercase,the

provisionsofparagraph(3)ofArt43apply. Assuch,donationspropternuptiasinavoid
marriageunderArt40shallremainvalid,exceptthatifthedoneecontractedthemarriage
inbadfaith,suchdonationsmadetosaiddoneearerevokedbyoperationoflaw.
TheruleisalsodifferentifthemarriageisvoidpursuanttoArt44oftheFC,i.e.,where
bothpartiestoasubsequentmarriageinArt41oftheFCactedinbadfaith.Ifboth
spousesofsuchsubsequentmarriageactedinbadfaith,alldonationspropternuptiasare
revokedbyoperationoflaw.
[75.6]EffectonDesignationasIrrevocableBeneficiaryinInsurancePolicy
UndertheInsuranceCode,ifthedesignationofthebeneficiaryintheinsurancepolicyis
irrevocable,theinsuredhasnorighttochangethebeneficiaryhedesignatedinthepolicy.
Therulewillstillbethesameevenifthebeneficiary&theinsuredarespouses&their
marriageislaterjudiciallydeclaredvoid.Bywayofexceptiontotherule,ifthemarriage

isdeclaredvoidunderArt40,theprovisionsofArt43(3)apply. Hence,theinnocent
spouseinavoidmarriageunderArt40mayrevokethedesignationoftheotherspouse
whoactedinbadfaithasabeneficiaryinanyinsurancepolicy,evenifsuchdesignation

bestipulatedasirrevocable.
[75.7]EffectonRighttoInherit
Ifthemarriageisjudiciallydeclaredvoid,itisasifnomarriagehadtakenplace.Assuch,
thepartiestheretoarenottobeconsideredaslegalheirofeachother,exceptiftheyare

collateralbloodrelativeswithinthefifthcivildegree. Ordinarily,therefore,suchformer
spousesmaynotinheritfromeachotherbywayofintestatesuccession.Thereisnothing,
however,thatwillpreventthemfromprovidingfortestamentaryprovisionsintheir
respectivewillsinfavorofeachother.
Ifthemarriageis,however,declaredvoidunderArt40,inwhichcasetheprovisionsof

Art43(5)willapply, thespousewhocontractedthemarriageinbadfaithshallbe
disqualifiedtoinheritfromtheinnocentspousebytestateandintestatesuccession.Ifthe
marriageisvoidpursuanttoArt44oftheFC,testamentarydispositionsmadebyonein
favoroftheotherarerevokedbyoperationoflaw.
[75.8]EffectonParentalAuthorityandCustodyofCommonChildren

Sincechildrenofvoidmarriagesaregenerallyillegitimate, theyshallbeunderthe
parentalauthorityandcustodyoftheirmother.Thisistheruleregardlessofwhetherthe
fatheradmitspaternity.
Art. 52,Art. 53. &Art. 54.
COMMENTS:76.RequirementofRegistration
Adecreeofdeclarationofabsolutenullityorannulmentofmarriageshallnotbeissued
unlessthefollowingrequirementsarecompliedwith:
1.Registrationoftheentryofjudgmentgrantingthepetitionfordeclarationofnullityor
annulmentofmarriageinthecivilregistryoftheplacewheretheFamilyCourtislocated;
2.Registrationoftheapprovedpartitionanddistributionofthepropertiesofthespouses,

intheproperRegisterofDeedswheretherealpropertiesarelocated; &

3.Thedeliveryofthechildrenspresumptivelegitimesincash,property,orsoundsecurities.
Iftheforegoingrequirementsarenotcompliedwith,thesubsequentmarriagecontracted

bythepartiestothepreviousmarriageshallbenullandvoid &thepartition&
distributionofthepropertiesofthespousesshallnotaffect3rdpersons.
77.IssuanceofDecree
Aftertheforegoingrequirementsarecomplied,theprevailingpartyshallbeentitledto
theissuanceofaDecreeofdeclarationofabsolutenullityorannulmentofmarriage,as
thecasemaybe.Heorsheisrequired,however,tocausetheregistrationoftheDecreein
thecivilregistryoftheplacewherethemarriagewasregistered,thecivilregistryofthe

placewheretheFamilyCourtissituated,andintheNCSO. TheregisteredDecreeshallbe
thebestevidencetoprovethedeclarationofabsolutenullityorannulmentofmarriageandshall
serveasnoticeto3rdpersonsconcerningthepropertiesofpetitioner&respondentaswellasthe
properties/presumptivelegitimesdeliveredtotheircommonchildren.

78.StatusofChildren
Aspreviouslystated,sinceavoidablemarriageisconsideredvalidpriortothejudgment
ofannulment,childrenconceivedorbornbeforethejudgmentofannulmenthasbecome

finalandexecutoryareconsideredlegitimate.
Childrenbornofvoidmarriagesare

consideredillegitimate exceptthosebornofvoidmarriagesunderArts36&53oftheFC,

w/careexceptionallyconsideredlegitimate. Thus,ifthemarriageisjudiciallydeclared
anabsolutenullity,theFamilyCourtshallorderthelocalcivilregistrartoissuean

amendedbirthcertificateindicatingthenewcivilstatusofthechildrenaffected, exceptin
thecaseofchildrenunderArts36&53oftheFC.

LEGAL SEPARATION
Art. 55. (10)
79.LegalSeparation
[79.1]Concept
Legalseparationisalegalremedyavailabletopartiesinavalidbutfailedmarriage
forthepurposeofobtainingadecreefromcourtentitlinghimorhertocertain
reliefssuchastherighttoliveseparatelyfromeachother(w/outaffectingthe
maritalbondthatexistsbetweenthem),thedissolution&liquidationoftheir
absolutecommunity/conjugalpartnershippropertyregime&thecustodyoftheir
minorchildren.However,thisremedymaybeavailedofonlyifthereisaground
fordoing(Art55).Basedonthesegrounds,thelawallowsspouseswhohave
obtainedadecreeoflegalseparationtoliveseparatelyfromeachother,butinsuch
acasethemarriagebondsarenotsevered.(legalseparationdoesnotdissolvethe

marriagetie,muchlessauthorizethepartiestoremarry)
[79.2]Distinguishedfromannulmentandabsolutedivorce
Legalseparationthemarriagebondisnotsevered.
Annulmentandabsolutedivorcethemarriagebondisseveredorterminated,thus
allowingthepartiestheretotoremarry.
Thecausegivingrisetolegalseparationmustnecessarilyexistonlyafterthe
celebrationofthemarriage.Thisislikewisetrueinthecaseofabsolutedivorce.In
annulment,however,thegroundsthereofmustnecessarilyexistatthetimeofthe
marriage.
Philippinelawsdonotprovideforabsolutedivorcealthoughitrecognizesasvalid

thedivorceobtainedbyanalienspousewhoismarriedtoacitizenofthePH. What
PHlawsprovidearerelativedivorce,intheformoflegalseparation,&annulment.
[79.3]Groundsforlegalseparation
Thegroundsforlegalseparationmustbeconstruedasexclusive&restrictive.
Legalseparationmayonlybeallowedbasedontheffgroundsenumeratedunder
Art55oftheFC
[79.4]InflictionofPhysicalViolence
*Ifrepeatedlyresortedtobytherespondentagainstthepetitioner,acommonchild,
orachildofthepetitioner.Ifthephysicalviolenceisdirectedagainstthewife,a
commonchildorachildofthewife,thesameisalsopunishableunderR.A.No.
9262(AntiViolenceAgainstWomenandTheirChildrenActof2004).
*Ifthephysicalviolencecommittedbytherespondentisintheformofanattempt
againstthelifeofthepetitioner(Art55(9)).Thephysicalviolenceneednotbe
repeatedforittobeagroundforlegalseparation.
*Ifthephysicalviolenceisemployedbytherespondentinordertocompelthe
petitionertochangehisorherreligiousorpoliticalaffiliation(Art55).Evenif
physicalviolenceisemployedonlyonce.#Note:thatthephysicalviolencemustbe
directedagainstthepetitionerinthisparagraph.Thus,ifthephysicalviolenceis
directedagainstacommonchildorachildofthepetitionertocompelsaidchildto
changereligious/politicalaffiliation,thereisnogroundforlegalseparationifthe
physicalviolenceisnotrepeatedlyresortedto.
[79.5]MoralPressure
Exertionofmoralpressurebytherespondentisagroundforlegalseparation
(Art55(2))ifthesameisresortedtoinordertocompelthepetitionertochange
his/herreligious/politicalaffiliation.Note:#
[79.6]GrosslyAbusiveConduct(Art55(1)
Violence,asagroundforlegalseparation,neednotbephysical.Itissubmittedthat
psychologicalandsexualviolence&repeatedverbalabusemaylikewisequalifyas
groundsforlegalseparationunderArt55(1).
*psychologicalviolenceunderRANo.9262isdefinedasactsoromissions
causing/likelytocausemental/emotionalsufferingofthevictimsuchasbutnot
limitedtointimidation,harassment,stalking,damagetoproperty,publicridicule/
humiliation,repeatedverbalabuse&mentalinfidelity.Itincludescausing/
allowingthevictimtowitnessthephysical,sexual/psychologicalabuseofa
memberofthefamilytowhichthevictimbelongs,ortowitnesspornographyin
anyform/towitnessabusiveinjurytopets/tounlawful/unwanteddeprivationof
therighttocustodyand/orvisitationofcommonchildren.
*sexualviolenceunderRA9262isdefinedasanactwhichissexualinnature,
committedagainstawoman/herchild.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedto:a)rape,
sexualharassment,actsoflasciviousness,treatingawoman/herchildasasex
object,makingdemeaning&sexuallysuggestiveremarks,physicallyattackingthe
sexualpartsofthevictimsbody,forcingher/himtowatchobscenepublications&
indecentshows/forcingthewoman/herchildtodoindecentactsand/ormakefilms
thereof,forcingthewifeandmistress/lovertoliveintheconjugalhomeorsleep
togetherinthesameroomwiththeabuser;b)actscausingorattemptingtocause
thevictimtoengageinanysexualactivitybyforce,threatofforce,physical/other
harm/threatofphysical/otherharmorcoercion;c)prostitutingthewomanorchild.
[79.7]PromotionofProstitution
Anattemptonthepartoftherespondenttocorruptorinducethepetitioner,a
commonchild,orachildofthepetitioner,toengageinprostitution,orconnivance
insuchcorruptionorinducement,isagroundforlegalseparationunderArt55(3).
Itmaylikewisebeagroundforlegalseparationunderparagraph(1),referringto
grosslyabusiveconduct.Note:underRA9262,thegroundunderpar(3)isalso
punishedasacrimeifthesameisdirectedagainstthewifeorachildofthewife.
[79.8]FinalJudgmentofMoreThan6YearsImprisonment
Iftherespondentisconvictedofacrimebyfinaljudgmentwherethesentenced
imposedisimprisonmentofmorethan6yrs,itisagroundforlegalseparationeven
iftherespondentispardonedandregardlessofthenatureofthecrimeforw/cthe
respondentisconvicted.Iftherespondentisconvictedinafinaljudgmentpriorto
thecelebrationofthemarriage,itisagroundforannulmentifthecrimeinvolves
moralturpitude&thefactofconvictionisnotdisclosedtotheotherparty.Fora
finaljudgmentofconvictiontobeconsideredasagroundforlegalseparation,the
ffrequisitesarerequired:(1)thesentencedimposedisimprisonmentofmorethan
6yrs;&(2)theconvictionoccursonlyafterthecelebrationofthemarriage.
[79.9]Drugaddiction,habitualalcoholism,lesbianismorhomosexuality
*Ifthereisnoconcealment&suchcircumstanceisknowntotheotherpartyatthe
timeofthemarriage,thereisnogroundtoannulthemarriage.Theexistenceofany
suchcircumstance,atthetimeofthemarriage,maynotlikewisequalifyasa

groundforlegalseparationsinceinthelatter,thecausesorgroundsthereofmust
necessarilyexistonlyafterthecelebrationofthemarriage.
Fordrugaddiction,habitualalcoholism,lesbianism/homosexualitytobeagroundfor
legalseparation,saidcauseisrequiredtoariseonlyafterthecelebrationofthemarriage.

[79.10]ContractingofSubsequentBigamousMarriage
Contractingasubsequentbigamousmarriageisagroundtodeclarethesubsequent
marriageasvoidabinitiobutitdoesnotaffectthevalidityofthepriormarriage.In
suchasituation,theremedyoftheaggrievedpartyinthepriormarriageislegal
separationunderArt55(7).Aplainreadingofthesaidlawindicatesthatthe
provisionconsidersthemereactofcontractinga2ndorsubsequentmarriage
duringthesubsistenceofthepriorvalidmarriageasagroundforlegalseparation,
regardlessofthefactthatthe2ndmarriageisvoidabinitioongroundsotherthan
theexistenceofthefirstmarriage.
[79.11]SexualInfidelity
UndertheNewCivilCode, itisrequiredthatthesexualinfidelitymustbeinthe
formofadultery(onthepartofthewife)orconcubinage(onthepartofthe
husband)beforethesamemayconstituteasgroundforlegalseparation.Asa
consequence,asingleactofsexualintercourseonthepartofthehusbandwitha
womanotherthanhisspousewillnotnecessarilybeagroundforlegalseparationif
suchinfidelitywillnotfallunderconcubinage.*Notethatforthecrimeof
concubinagetobecommitted,itisrequiredthatthehusbandmusteither(1)keepa
mistressintheconjugaldwelling;(2)havesexualintercourse,underscandalous
circumstances,w/awomanwhoisnothiswife;or(3)cohabitwithherinanyother

place. Ontheotherhand,asingleactofsexualintercourseonthepartofthewife
withamanotherthanherhusbandisalwaysagroundforlegalseparationsincethe
sameconstitutesadultery.
Thisbasicinequalityinthecommissionofacauseforlegalseparationbetween
husbands&wives,inrelationtosexualinfidelity,hasbeensufficientlyaddressed
undertheFC.Now,itisnolongerrequiredthatthesexualinfidelitybeintheform
ofadulteryorconcubinagebeforethesamemayconstituteasgroundforlegal
separation.UnderArt55(8),meresexualinfidelityisnowagroundforlegal
separation,w/outrequiringthatthesamebeintheformofadulteryorconcubinage.
Asaresult,asingleactofsexualintercourseonthepartofboththehusband&the
wifew/apersonotherthantheirspousewillnowbeagroundforlegalseparation.
Additionally,thenewlawnolongerrequiresthattherebesexualintercoursesince
anysexualactshortoftheactualsexualintercoursemayfallundersexual
infidelity.Moreover,thenewlawnolongerrequiresthatthesexualinfidelitybya
spousebecommittedw/apersonofoppositesexforittobeagroundforlegalseparation
w/cisarequirementundertheoldlawsincethecrimesofadultery&concubinage
maybecommittedonlybythespousesthroughsexualrelationswithanoppositesex.

[79.12]SexualPerversion
AccdgtothelateSen.Tolentino,sexualperversion,asagroundforlegal
separation,includesallunusual/abnormalsexualpracticesw/cmaybeoffensiveto

thefeelings/senseofdecencyofeitherthehusband/thewife. Ifthehusbanduses
force/threatofforce,physical/otherharm/threatofphysica/otherharm,/intimidation,
againsthiswifeforthepurposeofsatisfyinghissexualperversion,thesamealso
constitutesacrimeunderR.A.No.9262.
[79.13]AttemptontheLifeoftheSpouse
AnattemptonthelifeofthespouseisagroundforlegalseparationunderArt55(9).
Theobviousintentofthelaw,however,istorequirethepresenceofintenttokill.
Thus,iftheinjurycausedtoaspouseismerelyaccidentalornotintentional,itwill
notbeagroundforlegalseparationeveniftheinjuryislifethreatening.Also,if
theactofattemptingtokillthespouseiswhollyjustifiedorexcused,asinthecase
oflegitimateselfdefense,thesameisnotagroundforlegaljustification.For
example,ifthehusbandsurpriseshiswifeinanactofsexualintercoursewith
anotherman,theformerhasagroundforlegalseparationunderpar(8)ofArt55
(referringtosexualinfidelity),althoughhehadattemptedtokillhiswife
immediatelythereafter.Inthesaidactionforlegalseparation,thewifemaynotput
upthedefenseofmutualguiltsincetheactofthehusbandinattemptingtokillhis
wife,giventhesaidscenario,doesnotgiverisetoagroundforlegalseparationon
thepartofthewife.UnderArt247oftheRPC,ifthehusbandshallinflictuponhis
wifephysicalinjuriesofanykinduponsurprisingherintheactofcommitting
sexualintercoursew/anotherperson,heshallbeexemptfrompunishment.
[79.14]Abandonment
Generally,abandonmentinlegalsignificanceistheactofonespousevoluntarily
separatingfromtheother,withtheintentionofnotreturningtolivetogetherashusband

&wife,thatcontinuesforthelengthoftimerequiredbystatute. Forabandonmentto
constituteagroundforlegalseparation,itisrequiredthat:(1)theabandonmentmustbe
w/outajustifiablecause;&(2)theabandonmentmustbeformorethanayear.

Aspouseisdeemedtohaveabandonedtheotherwhenheorshehasleftthe
conjugaldwellingwithoutintentionofreturning.Thespousewhohasleftthe
conjugaldwellingforaperiodofthreemonthsorhasfailedwithinthesameperiod
togiveanyinformationastohisorherwhereaboutsshallbeprimafaciepresumed
tohavenointentionofreturningtotheconjugaldwelling.
Art. 56. & Art. 57.
80.DefensesinLegalSeparation
[80.1]InGeneral
Thepetitionforlegalseparationshallbedeniedonanyoftheffgrounds:(1)where

theaggrievedpartyhascondonedtheoffense/actcomplainedof;(2)wherethe
aggrievedpartyhasconsentedtothecommissionoftheoffenseoractcomplained
of;(3)wherethereisconnivancebetweenthepartiesinthecommissionofthe
offenseoractconstitutingthegroundforlegalseparation;(4)wherebothparties
havegivengroundforlegalseparation;(5)wherethereiscollusionbetweenthe
partiestoobtaindecreeoflegalseparation;or(6)wheretheactionisbarredby

prescription. Hence,anyofthesecircumstancesshallbeadefenseinanactionfor
legalseparation.
[80.2]Condonation
Condonationistheconditionalforgivenessorremission,byahusband/wife,ofa

matrimonialoffensew/ctheotherhascommitted. Itblotsoutanimputedoffense
againstthemaritalrelationsoastorestoretheoffendingpartytothesameposition

heorsheoccupiedbeforetheoffensewascommitted. Assuch,itbarstherightto
legalseparation.
Itisaconditionalforgivenessbecausethecondonationissubjecttoanimplied
conditionthatthepartyforgivenwillabstainfromthecommissionofthelike

offensethereafter. Abreachofthisconditionrevivestherightofsuitforthe

originalmisconduct. Butwhiletheconditionremainsunbroken,condonation,on
whatevermotiveitproceeded,isanabsolutebartotheremedyfortheparticular
injurycondoned.
Condonationmayeitherbeexpress,i.e.,signifiedbywordsorwriting,orimplied
fromtheconductoftheparties.Thelatter,however,ismuchthemorecommon;
anditisinregardtothisthatthechieflegaldifficultyhasarisen.Theonlygeneral
ruleis,thatanycohabitationwiththeguiltyparty,afterthecommissionofthe
offense,andwiththeknowledgeorbeliefonthepartoftheinjuredpartyofits
commission,willamounttoconclusiveevidenceofcondonation;butthis
presumptionmayberebuttedbyevidencetothecontrary.
[80.3]Consent
Consentisagreementorconformityinadvanceofthecommissionoftheactwhich

wouldbeagroundforlegalseparation. Itmaybegivenexpresslyorimpliedly.
Expressconsentisthatdirectlygiven,eithervivavoceorinwriting.Implied
consentisthatmanifestedbysigns,actions,orfacts,orbyinactionorsilence,from
whicharisesaninferencethattheconsenthasbeengiven.
Consentdiffersfromcondonationinthattheformerisgiveninadvanceorpriorto
thecommissionoftheactwhichwouldbeagroundforlegalseparation;whereas,
thelatteristheforgivenessofamatrimonialoffenseafteritscommission.
[80.4]Connivance
Whileconsentisunilateral,oranactofonlyonespouse,connivanceimplies
agreement,expressorimplied,bybothspousestothegroundforlegalseparation.
Connivancediffersfromcondonation,thoughthesamelegalconsequencesmay
attendit.Connivancenecessarilyinvolvescriminalityonthepartoftheindividual
whoconnives;condonationmaytakeplacewithoutimputingtheslightestblameto
thepartywhoforgivestheinjury.Connivancemustbetheactofthemindbefore
theoffensehasbeencommitted;condonationistheresultofadeterminationto
forgiveaninjurywhichwasnotknownuntilafteritwasinflicted.
Connivancediffers,also,fromcollusion:theformerisgenerallycollusionfora
particularpurpose,whilethelattermayexistwithoutconnivance.
Ahusbandwhoconnivesatorconsentstoadulterybyhiswifeisdeemedas
consentingtoitwithothersandcannothaveadivorce(orlegalseparation)fora
subsequentactwithadifferentperson,thoughtheactconnivedatwasnot

committed; norcanhewherethewifewasledintoitbyconnivanceofadetective

employedbythehusband,notforsuchpurposebuttoobtainevidence. Also,
abandonmentbythewife,knowing(asshesaidshedid)thatthehusbandwould
naturallyseekotherwomen,washeldtobeconnivance.
[80.5]Collusion
Collusionindivorceorlegalseparationmeanstheagreementbetweenhusband
andwifeforoneofthemtocommit,ortoappeartocommit,ortoberepresentedin
courtashavingcommitted,amatrimonialoffense,ortosuppressevidenceofa
validdefense,forthepurposeofenablingtheothertoobtainadivorceorlegal
separation.Thisagreement,ifnotexpress,maybeimpliedfromtheactsofthe

parties. Itisagroundfordenyingthelegalseparation.
Ithasbeenheldthatcollusionmaynotbeinferredfromthemerefactthattheguilty
partyconfessestotheoffenseandthusenablestheotherpartytoprocureevidence

necessarytoproveit. Ontheotherhand,therewouldbecollusionifthepartieshad
arrangedtomakeitappearthatamatrimonialoffensehadbeencommittedalthough
itwasnot,orifthepartieshadconnivedtobringaboutalegalseparationevenin
theabsenceofgroundstherefore.
[80.6]Recrimination(MutualGuilt)
Wherebothpartieshavegivengroundforlegalseparation,thepetitionforlegal

separationmustbedismissed. Inotherwords,forlegalseparationtoprosper,it
mustbeclaimedonlybytheinnocentspouseandwherebothspousesareoffenders,
alegalseparationcannotbeclaimedbyeitherofthem.
[80.7]Prescription
Anactionforlegalseparationmustbefiledwithinfiveyearsfromthetimeofthe

occurrenceofthecause; otherwise,theactionisbarredbyprescription. Inthis

connection,ithasbeenheldthatwhilethewifehasnotinterposedprescriptionasa
defense,thecourtsmayneverthelesstakecognizancethereof,becauseactions
seekingadecreeoflegalseparation,orannulmentofmarriage,involvepublic
interestanditisthepolicyofourlawthatnosuchdecreebeissuedifanylegal

obstaclestheretoappearupontherecord.
[80.8]EffectofDeath
Anactionforlegalseparationwhichinvolvesnothingmorethanthebedandboard
separationofthespousesispurelypersonal.Beingpersonalincharacter,itfollows
thatthedeathofonepartytotheactioncausesthedeathoftheactionitself

actionpersonalismoriturcumpersona. Hence,Sec21oftheRuleonLegal
Separation(A.M.No.021111SC)nowclearlyprovides:
Sec21.Effectofdeathofaparty;dutyoftheFamilyCourtorAppellateCourt.
(a)Incaseapartydiesatanystageoftheproceedingsbeforetheentryofjudgment,
thecourtshallorderthecaseclosedandterminatedwithoutprejudicetothe
settlementofestateproperproceedingsintheregularcourts.
(b)Ifthepartydiesaftertheentryofjudgment,thesameshallbebindinguponthe
partiesandtheirsuccessorsininterestinthesettlementoftheestateintheregular
courts.

Art. 58 & Art 59

81.CoolingOffPeriod
Article58oftheFamilyCodemandatesthatanactionforlegalseparationmustin
nocasebetriedbeforesixmonthsshallhaveelapsedsincethefilingofthe
petition,obviouslyinordertoprovidethepartiesacoolingoffperiod.Inthis

interim,thecourtshouldtakestepstowardgettingthepartiestoreconcile. During
thisperiod,thecourtwheretheactionispendingshallremainpassiveandis

precludedfromhearingthesuit.
InexplainingtheimportofArt103oftheNCC(nowArt58oftheFC),theCourtin

SomosaRamosvs.Vamenta, held
Itisunderstandablewhythereshouldbeaperiodduringwhichthecourtis
precludedfromacting.Ordinarilyofcourse,nosuchdelayispermissible.Justiceto
partieswouldnottherebybeserved.Thesoonerthedisputeisresolved,thebetter
forallconcerned.Asuitforlegalseparation,however,issomethingelseagain.It
involvesarelationshiponwhichthelawforthebestreasonswouldattachthe
qualityofpermanence.Thattherearetimeswhendomesticfelicityismuchless
thanitoughttobeisnotofcoursetobedenied.Grievances,whetherfanciedor
real,maybeentertainedbyoneorbothofthespouses.Theremaybeconstant
bickering.Thelossaffectiononthepartofoneorbothmaybediscernible.
Nonetheless,itwillnotservepublicinterest,muchlessthewelfareofthehusband
orthewife,toallowthemtogotheirrespectiveways.Wherethereareoffspring,
thereasonformaintainingtheconjugalunionisevenmoreimperative.Itisamark
ofrealismofthelawthatforcertaincases,adulteryonthepartofthewife&
concubinageonthepartofthehusband,oranattemptofonespouseagainstthelife
oftheother,itrecognizes,albeitreluctantly,thatthecoupleisbetteroffapart.A
suitforlegalseparationlies.Eventhen,thehopethatthepartiesmaysettletheir
differencesisnotalltogetherabandoned.Thehealingbalmoftimemayaidinthe
process.Hopefully,theguiltypartiesmaymendhisorherways,andtheoffended
partymayinturnexhibitmagnanimity.Hence,theinterpositionofasixmonth
periodbeforeanactionforlegalseparationistobetried.
DoesArt58inprohibitingthehearingofanactionforlegalseparationbeforethe
lapseofsixmonthcoolingoffperiodlikewiseprecludethecourtfromactingona
motionforpreliminarymandatoryinjunctionappliedforasanancillaryremedyto

suchsuit?InthecaseofSomosaRamosvs.Vamenta, theCourtheldthatArt103
oftheNCC(nowArt58oftheFC)isnotanabsolutebartothehearingofamotion
forpreliminaryinjunctionpriortotheexpirationofthesixmonthcoolingoff
period.TheCourtexplained
Thatthelaw,however,remainscognizantoftheneedincertaincasesforjudicial
powertoassertitselfisdiscerniblefromwhatissetforthinthefollowingarticle.It
readsthus:Afterthefilingofthepetitionforlegalseparation,thespouseshallbe
entitledtoliveseparatelyfromeachotherandmanagetheirrespectiveproperty.
Thehusbandshallcontinuetomanagetheconjugalpartnershippropertybutifthe
courtdeemsitproper,itmayappointanothertomanagesaidproperty,inwhich
casetheadministratorshallhavethesamerightsanddutiesasaguardianandshall
notbeallowedtodisposeoftheincomeorofthecapitalexceptinaccordancewith
theordersofthecourt.Therewouldappeartobethenarecognitionthatthe
questionofmanagementoftheirrespectivepropertyneednotbeleftunresolved
evenduringsuchsixmonthperiod.Anadministratormayevenbeappointedfor
themanagementofthepropertyoftheconjugalpartnership.Theabsolute
limitationfromwhichthecourtsuffersundertheprecedingarticleistherebyeased.
Thepartiesmayinthemeanwhilebeheard.Thereisjustificationthenforthe
petitionersinsistencethathermotionforpreliminarymandatoryinjunctionshould
notbeignoredbythelowercourt.Thereisallthemorereasonforthisresponse
fromrespondentJudge,consideringthatthehusbandwhomsheaccusedof
concubinageandanattemptagainstherlifewouldinthemeanwhilecontinueinthe
managementofwhatsheclaimedtobeherparaphernalproperty,anassertionthat
wasnotspecificallydeniedbyhim.
TherequirementofsixmonthscoolingoffperiodunderArticle58shallnotapply,
however,incasesoflegalseparationwhereviolence,asspecifiedinR.A.No.9262

(AntiViolenceAgainstWomenandTheirChildrenActof2004),isalleged. In
suchcases,thecourtshallproceedonthemaincaseandotherincidentsofthecase
assoonaspossibleandthehearingonanyapplicationforprotectionorderfiledby
thepetitionermustbeconductedwithinthemandatoryperiodprovidedinsaidAct.
UnderSection3ofR.A.No.9262,violenceagainstwomenandtheirchildren

referstoanyactoraseriesofactscommittedbyanypersonagainstawomanwho
ishiswife,formerwife,oragainstawomanwithwhomthepersonhasorhada
sexualordatingrelationship,orwithwhomhehasacommonchild,oragainsther
childwhetherlegitimateorillegitimate,withinorwithoutthefamilyabode,which
resultinorislikelytoresultinphysical,sexual,psychologicalharmorsuffering,or
economicabuseincludingthreatsofsuchacts,battery,assault,coercion,harassment
orarbitrarydeprivationofliberty.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theffacts:
A.PhysicalViolencereferstoactsthatincludebodilyorphysicalharm;
B.Sexualviolencereferstoanactwhichissexualinnature,committedagainsta
womanorherchild.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedto:
a)rape,sexualharassment,actsoflasciviousness,treatingawomanorherchildas
asexobject,makingdemeaningandsexuallysuggestiveremarks,physically
attackingthesexualpartsofthevictimsbody,forcingher/himtowatchobscene
publicationsandindecentshowsorforcingthewomanorherchildtodoindecent
actsand/ormakefilmsthereof,forcingthewifeandmistress/lovertoliveinthe
conjugalhomeorsleeptogetherinthesameroomwiththeabuser;
b)actscausingorattemptingtocausethevictimtoengageinanysexualactivityby
force,threatofforce,physical/otherharmorthreatofphysical/other
harm/coercion;
c)Prostitutingthewomanorchild.
C.Psychologicalviolencereferstoactsoromissionscausingorlikelytocause
mentaloremotionalsufferingofthevictimsuchasbutnotlimitedtointimidation,
harassment,stalking,damagetoproperty,publicridiculeorhumiliation,repeated
verbalabuseandmentalinfidelity.Itincludescausingorallowingthevictimto
witnessthephysical,sexualorpsychologicalabuseofamemberofthefamilyto
whichthevictimbelongs,ortowitnesspornographyinanyformortowitness
abusiveinjurytopetsortounlawfulorunwanteddeprivationoftherightto
custodyand/orvisitationofcommonchildren.
D.Economicabusereferstoactsthatmakeorattempttomakeawoman
financiallydependentwhichincludes,butisnotlimitedtothefollowing:
1.withdrawaloffinancialsupportorpreventingthevictimfromengaginginany
legitimateprofession,occupation,businessoractivity,exceptincaseswhereintheother
spouse/partnerobjectsonvalid,seriousandmoralgroundsasdefinedinArt73oftheFC;

1.
2.

2.deprivationorthreatofdeprivationoffinancialresourcesandtherighttotheuse
andenjoymentoftheconjugal,communityorpropertyownedincommon;
destroyinghouseholdproperty;
controllingthevictimsownmoneyorpropertiesor
solelycontrollingtheconjugalmoneyorproperties.
Art. 60.
82.NoJudgmentBasedonStipulationofFactsorConfessionofJudgment
Eventhe1940RulesofCourt,whichprecededthe1950CivilCodeofthe
PhilippinesandtheFC,directthatactionsfortheannulmentofmarriageordivorce

shallnotbedecidedunlessthematerialfactsallegedinthecomplaintareproved.
ThesameruleisreiteratedinSec1ofRule19ofthe1964RevisedRules,with
legalseparationbeingsubstitutedfordivorce,obviouslybecausetheCivil
Codedidnotauthorizeabsolutedivorce.TheruleisnowenshrinedinArt60ofthe
FC,totheeffectthatnodecreeoflegalseparationshallbebaseduponastipulation
offactsoraconfessionofjudgment.
Theprohibitionexpressedintheaforesaidlawsandrulesispredicatedonthefact
thattheinstitutionsofmarriageandofthefamilyaresacredandthereforeareas
muchtheconcernoftheStateasofthespouses;becausetheStateandthepublic
havevitalinterestinthemaintenanceandpreservationofthesesocialinstitutions
againstdesecrationbycollusionbetweenthepartiesorbyfabricatedevidence.The
prohibitionagainstannullingamarriageorlegalseparationbasedonthestipulation
offactsorbyconfessionofjudgmentorbynonappearanceofthedefendant
stressesthefactthatmarriageismorethanamerecontractbetweentheparties;and
forthisreason,whenthedefendantfailstoappear,thelawenjoinsthecourtto
directtheprosecutingofficertointervenefortheStateinordertopreservethe
integrityandsanctityofthemaritalbonds.
Confessionofjudgmentusuallyhappenswhenthedefendantappearsincourtand
confessestherightofplaintifftojudgmentorfilesapleadingexpresslyagreeingto

theplaintiffsdemand. Ajudgmentbasedonastipulationoffactsoccurswhenthe
partiesinasuitstipulatedontheexistenceofcertainfactsandthereaftersubmits
thecasefordecisionbasedonsaidstipulation.Thelawprohibitsthecourtfrom
grantingadecreeoflegalseparationbasedonstipulationoffactsandaconfession

ofjudgment. Thelawdoesnot,however,exclude,asevidence,anyadmissionor
confessionmadebytherespondentinalegalseparationcaseoutsideofthecourt.
Yet,evensupposingthatthestatementofrespondentconstitutedpracticallya
confessionofjudgment,butifthegroundforlegalseparationcanbeprovenby
otherevidenceindependentofsuchstatement,thedecreeoflegalseparationmay
andshouldbegranted,sinceitwouldnotbebasedonrespondentsconfession,but

uponevidencepresentedbythepetitioner. Whatthelawprohibitsisajudgment
basedexclusivelyormainlyonrespondentsconfession.Ifaconfessiondefeatsthe
actionipsofacto,anyrespondentwhoopposestheseparationwillimmediately
confessjudgment,purposelytopreventit.
83.InterventionofStateAttorneys
Wherenoanswerisfiledbytherespondentinalegalseparationcaseorifthe

answerdoesnottenderanissue,thecourtshallorderthepublicprosecutorto
investigatewhethercollusionexistsbetweentheparties.
W/in1monthafterreceiptofthecourtordermentionedabove,thepublic
prosecutorshallsubmitareporttothecourtonwhetherthepartiesareincollusion
andservecopiesonthepartiesandtheirrespectivecounsels,ifany.Ifthepublic
prosecutorfindsthatcollusionexists,heshallstatethebasisthereofinhisreport.
Thepartiesshallfiletheirrespectivecommentsonthefindingofcollusionwithin
tendaysfromreceiptofcopyofthereport.Thecourtshallsetthereportforhearing
andifconvincedthatpartiesareincollusion,itshalldismissthepetition.Ifthe
publicprosecutorreportsthatnocollusionexists,thecourtshallsetthecasefor
pretrial.ItshallbethedutyofthepublicprosecutortoappearfortheStateatthe
pretrial.ThepolicyofArt101oftheNCC(nowArt60(2).,oftheFC),callingfor
theinterventionofthestateattorneysincaseofuncontestedproceedingsforlegal
separation,istoemphasizethatmarriageismorethanamerecontract;thatitisa
socialinstitutioninwhichthestateisvitallyinterested,sothatitscontinuationor

interruptioncannotbemadetodependuponthepartiesthemselves. Itisconsonant
withthispolicythattheinquirybytheFiscalshouldbeallowedtofocusuponany
relevantmatterthatmayindicatewhethertheproceedingsforlegalseparationor
annulmentarefullyjustifiedornot.
Art. 61. &Art. 62.
84.PendencyofLegalSeparationCase
Duringthependencyoftheactionforlegalseparation,thecourt,motuproprioor
uponapplicationunderoathofanyoftheparties,guardianordesignatedcustodian,
mayissueprovisionalordersandprotectionorderswithorwithoutahearing.These
ordersmaybeenforcedimmediately,withorwithoutabond,andforsuchperiod

andundersuchtermsandconditionsasthecourtmaydeemnecessary. A.M.No.
021112SC(RuleonProvisionalOrders)enumeratestheseprovisionalorders,as
follows:
Section2.SpousalSupport.Indeterminingsupportforthespouses,thecourt
maybeguidedbythefollowingrules:
(a)Intheabsenceofadequateprovisionsinawrittenagreementbetweenthe
spouses,thespousesmaybesupportedfromthepropertiesoftheabsolute
communityortheconjugalpartnership.
(b)Thecourtmayawardsupporttoeitherspouseinsuchamountandforsuch
periodoftimeasthecourtmaydeemjustandreasonablebasedontheirstandardof
livingduringthemarriage.
(c)Thecourtmaylikewiseconsiderthefollowingfactors:(1)whetherthespouse
seekingsupportisthecustodianofachildwhosecircumstancesmakeitappropriate
forthatspousenottoseekoutsideemployment;(2)thetimenecessarytoacquire
sufficienteducationandtrainingtoenablethespouseseekingsupporttofind
appropriateemployment,andthatspousesfutureearningcapacity;(3)theduration
ofthemarriage;(4)thecomparativefinancialresourcesofthespouses,including
theircomparativeearningabilitiesinthelabormarket;(5)theneedsand
obligationsofeachspouse;(6)thecontributionofeachspousetothemarriage,
includingservicesrenderedinhomemaking,childcare,education,andcareer
buildingoftheotherspouse;(7)theageandhealthofthespouses;(8)thephysical
andemotionalconditionsofthespouses;(9)theabilityofthesupportingspouseto
givesupport,takingintoaccountthatspousesearningcapacity,earnedandun
earnedincome,assets,andstandardofliving;and(10)anyotherfactorthecourt
maydeemjustandequitable.
(d)TheFamilyCourtmaydirectthedeductionoftheprovisionalsupportfromthe
salaryofthespouse.
Section3.ChildSupport.Thecommonchildrenofthespousesshallbe
supportedfromthepropertiesoftheabsolutecommunityortheconjugal
partnership.
Subjecttothesounddiscretionofthecourt,eitherparentorbothmaybeorderedto
giveanamountnecessaryforthesupport,maintenance,andeducationofthechild.
Itshallbeinproportiontotheresourcesormeansofthegiverandtothenecessities
oftherecipient.
Indeterminingtheamountofprovisionalsupport,thecourtmaylikewiseconsider
thefollowingfactors:(1)thefinancialresourcesofthecustodialandnon
custodialparentandthoseofthechild;(2)thephysicalandemotionalhealthofthe
childandhisorherspecialneedsandaptitudes;(3)thestandardoflivingthechild
hasbeenaccustomedto;(4)thenonmonetarycontributionsthattheparentswill
maketowardthecareandwellbeingofthechild.
TheFamilyCourtmaydirectthedeductionoftheprovisionalsupportfromthe
salaryoftheparent.
Section4.ChildCustody.Indeterminingtherightpartyorpersontowhomthe
custodyofthechildofthepartiesmaybeawardedpendingthepetition,thecourt
shallconsiderthebestinterestsofthechildandshallgiveparamountconsideration
tothematerialandmoralwelfareofthechild.
Thecourtmaylikewiseconsiderthefollowingfactors:(a)theagreementofthe
parties;(b)thedesireandabilityofeachparenttofosteranopenandloving
relationshipbetweenthechildandtheotherparent;(c)thechildshealth,safety,
andwelfare;(d)anyhistoryofchildorspousalabasebythepersonseekingcustody
orwhohashadanyfilialrelationshipwiththechild,includinganyonecourting
theparent;(e)thenatureandfrequencyofcontactwithbothparents;(f)habitual
useofalcoholorregulatedsubstances;(g)maritalmisconduct;(h)themostsuitable
physical,emotional,spiritual,psychologicalandeducationalenvironment;and(i)

thepreferenceofthechild,ifoversevenyearsofageandofsufficientdiscernment,
unlesstheparentchosenisunfit.
Thecourtmayawardprovisionalcustodyinthefollowingorderofpreference:(1)
tobothparentsjointly;(2)toeitherparenttakingintoaccountallrelevant
considerationsundertheforegoingparagraph,especiallythechoiceofthechild
oversevenyearsofage,unlesstheparentchosenisunfit;(3)tothesurviving
grandparent,orifthereareseveralofthem,tothegrandparentchosenbythechild
oversevenyearsofageandofsufficientdiscernment,unlessthegrandparentis
unfitordisqualified;(4)totheeldestbrotherorsisterovertwentyoneyearsofage,
unlessheorsheisunfitordisqualified;(5)tothechildsactualcustodianover
twentyoneyearsofage,unlessunfitordisqualified;or(6)toanyotherperson
deemedbythecourtsuitabletoprovidepropercareandguidanceforthechild.
Thecustodiantemporarilydesignatedbythecourtshallgivethecourtandthe
parents5daysnoticeofanyplantochangetheresidenceofthechildortakehim
outofhisresidenceformorethanthreedaysprovideditdoesnotprejudicethe
visitationrightsoftheparents.
Section5.VisitationRights.Appropriatevisitationrightsshallbeprovidedto
theparentwhoisnotawardedprovisionalcustodyunlessfoundunfitor
disqualifiedbythecourt.
Section6.HoldDepartureOrder.Pendingresolutionofthepetition,nochildof
thepartiesshallbebroughtoutofthecountrywithoutpriororderfromthecourt.
Thecourt,motupropriooruponapplicationunderoath,mayissueexparteahold
departureorder,addressedtotheBureauofImmigrationandDeportation,directing
itnottoallowthedepartureofthechildfromthePhilippineswithoutthe
permissionofthecourt.
TheFamilyCourtissuingtheholddepartureordershallfurnishtheDFA&the
BureauofImmigrationandDeportationoftheDOJacopyoftheholddeparture
orderissuedwithin24hrsfromthetimeofitsissuanceandthroughthefastest
availablemeansoftransmittal.
Theholddepartureordershallcontainthefollowinginformation:
(a)thecompletename(includingthemiddlename),thedateandplaceofbirth,and
theplaceoflastresidenceofthepersonagainstwhomaholddepartureorderhas
beenissuedorwhosedeparturefromthecountryhasbeenenjoined;(b)the
completetitleanddocketnumberofthecaseinw/ctheholddeparturewasissued;
(c)thespecificnatureofthecase;&(d)thedateoftheholddepartureorder.
Ifavailable,arecentphotographofthepersonagainstwhomaholddepartureorder
hasbeenissuedorwhosedeparturefromthecountryhasbeenenjoinedshouldalso
beincluded.
Thecourtmayrecalltheorder,motupropriooruponverifiedmotionofanyofthe
partiesaftersummaryhearing,subjecttosuchtermsandconditionsasmaybe
necessaryforthebestinterestsofthechild.
Section7.OrderofProtection.ThecourtmayissueanOrderofProtection
requiringanyperson:
(a)tostayawayfromthehome,school,business,orplaceofemploymentofthe
child,otherparentoranyotherparty,andtostayawayfromanyotherspecific
placedesignatedbythecourt;
(b)torefrainfromharassing,intimidating,orthreateningsuchchildortheother
parentoranypersontowhomcustodyofthechildisawarded;
(c)torefrainfromactsofcommissionoromissionthatcreateanunreasonablerisk
tothehealth,safety,orwelfareofthechild;
(d)topermitaparent,orapersonentitledtovisitationbyacourtorderora
separationagreement,tovisitthechildatstatedperiods;
(e)topermitadesignatedpartytoentertheresidenceduringaspecifiedperiodof
timeinordertotakepersonalbelongingsnotcontestedinaproceedingpending
withtheFamilyCourt;
(f)tocomplywithsuchotherordersasarenecessaryfortheprotectionofthechild.
Section8.AdministrationofCommonProperty.Ifaspousewithoutjustcause
abandonstheotherorfailstocomplywithhisorherobligationstothefamily,the
courtmay,uponapplicationoftheaggrievedpartyunderoath,issueaprovisional
orderappointingtheapplicantorathirdpersonasreceiverorsoleadministratorof
thecommonpropertysubjecttosuchprecautionaryconditionsitmayimpose.The
receiveroradministratormaynotdisposeoforencumberanycommonpropertyor
specificseparatepropertyofeitherspousewithoutpriorauthorityofthecourt.
TheprovisionalorderissuedbythecourtshallberegisteredintheproperRegister

ofDeedsandannotatedinalltitlesofpropertiessubjectofthereceivershipor
administration.
Inaddition,afterthefilingofthepetitionforlegalseparation,thespousesshallbe
entitledtoliveseparatelyfromeachother.
85.IssuanceofProtectionOrders
AprotectionorderisanorderissuedpursuanttotheprovisionsofRA9262(Anti
ViolenceAgainstWomenandTheirChildrenActof2004),forthepurposeof
preventingfurtheractsofviolenceagainstawomanorherchildspecifiedinSec5
ofsaidActandgrantingothernecessaryrelief.Thereliefgrantedundera
protectionorderservesthepurposeofsafeguardingthevictimfromfurtherharm,
minimizinganydisruptioninthevictimsdailylife,andfacilitatingtheopportunity

andabilityofthevictimtoindependentlyregaincontroloverherlife. Itisenforced
bylawenforcementagencies.
TheprotectionordersthatmaybeissuedunderRA9262arethebrgyprotection
order(BPO),temporaryprotectionorder(TPO)&permanentprotectionorder(PPO):
(a)BPOs:refertotheprotectionorderissuedbythePunongBarangayorderingthe
perpetratortodesistfromcommittingactsunderSec5(a)and(b)ofRA9262.A
PunongBrgywhoreceivesapplicationsforaBPOshallissuetheprotectionorder
totheapplicantonthedateoffilingafterexpartedeterminationofthebasisofthe
application.IfthePunongBrgyisunavailabletoactontheapplicationforaBPO,
theapplicationshallbeacteduponbyanyavailableBrgyKagawad.IftheBPOis
issuedbyaBrgyKagawadtheordermustbeaccompaniedbyanattestationbythe
BrgyKagawadthatthePunongBrgywasunavailableatthetimefortheissuanceof
theBPO.BPOsshallbeeffectivefor15days.Immediatelyaftertheissuanceofan
exparteBPO,thePunongBrgyorBrgyKagawadshallpersonallyserveacopyof
thesameontherespondent,ordirectanybarangayofficialtoeffectispersonal
service.Thepartiesmaybeaccompaniedbyanonlawyeradvocateinany

proceedingbeforethePunongBrgy.
(b)TPOreferstotheprotectionorderissuedbythecourtonthedateoffilingof
theapplicationafterexpartedeterminationthatsuchordershouldbeissued.A
courtmaygrantinaTPOany,someorallofthereliefsmentionedinR.A.No.
9262andshallbeeffectivefor30days.Thecourtshallscheduleahearingonthe
issuanceofaPPOpriortooronthedateoftheexpirationoftheTPO.Thecourt
shallordertheimmediatepersonalserviceoftheTPOontherespondentbythe
courtsheriffwhomayobtaintheassistanceoflawenforcementagentsforthe
service.TheTPOshallincludenoticeofthedateofthehearingonthemeritsofthe
issuanceofaPPO.
(c)PPOreferstoprotectionorderissuedbythecourtafternoticeandhearing.
Respondentsnonappearancedespitepropernotice,orhislackofalawyer,orthe
nonavailabilityofhislawyershallnotbeagroundforreschedulingorpostponing
thehearingonthemeritsoftheissuanceofaPPO.Iftherespondentappears
withoutcounselonthedateofthehearingonthePPO,thecourtshallappointa
lawyerfortherespondentandimmediatelyproceedwiththehearing.Incasethe
respondentfailstoappeardespitepropernotice,thecourtshallallowexparte
presentationoftheevidencebytheapplicantandrenderjudgmentonthebasisof
theevidencepresented.Thecourtshallallowtheintroductionofanyhistoryof
abusiveconductofarespondentevenifthesamewasnotdirectedagainstthe
applicantorthepersonforwhomtheapplicantismade.
Thecourtshall,totheextentpossible,conductthehearingonthemeritsofthe
issuanceofaPPOin1day.Wherethecourtisunabletoconductthehearingwithin
1day&theTPOissuedisduetoexpire,thecourtshallcontinuouslyextendor
renewtheTPOforaperiodof30daysateachparticulartimeuntilfinaljudgmentis
issued.TheextendedorrenewedTPOmaybemodifiedbythecourtasmaybe
necessaryorapplicabletoaddresstheneedsoftheapplicant.
Thecourtmaygrantany,someorallofthereliefsspecifiedinSec8ofRA9262in
aPPO.APPOshallbeeffectiveuntilrevokedbyacourtuponapplicationofthe
personinwhosefavortheorderwasissued.Thecourtshallensureimmediate
personalserviceofthePPOonrespondent.Thecourtshallnotdenytheissuanceof
protectionorderonthebasisofthelapseoftimebetweentheactofviolenceand
thefilingoftheapplication.Regardlessoftheconvictionoracquittalofthe
respondent,theCourtmustdeterminewhetherornotthePPOshallbecomefinal.
Eveninadismissal,aPPOshallbegrantedaslongasthereisnoclearshowingthat
theactfromwhichtheordermightarisedidnotexist.