Jesus C. Garcia v. Drilon

Summary

Jesus Garcia challenged the constitutionality of RA 9262 after his wife Rosalie obtained protection orders against him for domestic violence including physical abuse, emotional trauma from marital infidelity, and economic control. Garcia argued the law violated equal protection by favoring women over men, violated due process through ex-parte orders, and improperly delegated judicial power to barangay officials. The Supreme Court En Banc unanimously denied the petition, upholding RA 9262's constitutionality. The Court found the law's gender-based classification was justified by substantial distinctions including unequal power relationships between men and women, statistical evidence showing women as predominant victims of domestic violence, and pervasive gender bias in society. The Court emphasized that addressing historical discrimination against women does not constitute reverse discrimination against men, and that the law serves the compelling state interest of protecting women and children from violence while providing adequate procedural safeguards.