Long absence may void marriage

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) ruled that decades-long unjustified absence from home may be deemed as a psychological incapacity.
In a Decision, penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, the SC Second Division granted to void the marriage of the petitioner on the ground of psychological incapacity after finding the long absence from home of the respondent made him unable to fulfill his marital duties.
The respondent’s “infidelity, failure to give support to his wife and children, and unjustified absence from his family are all indicative that he is not cognizant of the duties and responsibilities of a husband and father,” the Decision read.
The ruling stemmed from a husband and wife who married in 1984 and separated 10 years later due to the husband’s changed behavior. The man then married two other women after their separation.
The respondent’s absence goes against Article 68 of the Family Code, which provided that spouses are obliged to live together, observe mutual love, respect, and fidelity, and render mutual help and support. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana