Maria Concepcion Singson v. Benjamin Singson

Summary

This case involves a petition for declaration of nullity of marriage filed by Maria Concepcion Singson against her husband Benjamin Singson based on Article 36 of the Family Code, claiming he suffered from psychological incapacity due to pathological gambling and personality disorder. The Regional Trial Court initially granted the petition, finding that respondent's psychological incapacity was grave, incurable, and had juridical antecedence. However, the Court of Appeals reversed this decision, and the Supreme Court affirmed the reversal. The higher courts found that petitioner failed to prove that respondent's alleged psychological incapacity met the required legal standards of being grave, serious, incurable, and existing at the time of marriage. The Supreme Court emphasized that respondent demonstrated capability to perform marital duties through his employment, financial support to the family, and continued cohabitation. The case reinforces the constitutional protection of marriage as an inviolable social institution and the stringent requirements for proving psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.