XXX270257 v. People

Summary

XXX270257 was convicted of psychological violence under Section 5(i) of RA 9262 for abandoning his wife AAA and their three children to live with another woman CCC, having an illegitimate child with CCC, and denying financial support. The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction but modified the penalty from 4 years 2 months-10 years to 6 months 1 day-8 years 1 day imprisonment, maintained the PHP200,000 fine, and awarded PHP75,000 moral damages. The Court established important precedent that psychological evaluation by an expert is not required to prove psychological violence under RA 9262 - the victim's testimony alone suffices to establish emotional anguish. The case reinforces protection of women and children from domestic psychological abuse and clarifies evidentiary requirements for prosecution under the Anti-VAWC Act.