Ruiz & Nazario Law Office

30/12/2025

22/01/2025

The has reiterated that a psychological evaluation is not necessary to prove that psychological violence was committed under Republic Act No. 9262, or the 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘪-𝘝𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 (𝘝𝘈𝘞𝘊) 𝘈𝘤𝘵.

In a Decision penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, the Court’s Third Division affirmed the conviction of an accused for psychological violence against his wife and children, sentencing him to up 8 years in prison and PHP 275,000 in fines and damages. The SC also directed him to undergo mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.

The SC emphasized that a psychological evaluation from an expert witness is not necessary to prove that the victim suffered. It is not a requirement under the law. The SC ruled that a victim’s testimony in court is enough to prove emotional anguish or mental suffering.

Here, the wife testified in detail her experience proving her mental and emotional anguish. Her husband had an extramarital relationship, left her and their children, and cohabited with another woman in a house right beside their own home, in full view of their children. The accused even flaunted his affair on social media.

Read the press release in full at: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-psychological-evaluation-not-required-to-prove-psychological-violence-under-anti-vawc-act/

Read the full text of the Decision at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/270257-###270257-vs-people-of-the-philippines-and-aaa

Copying of this content is subject to the SC PIO’s Credit Attribution Policy: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/credit-attribution-policy/

29/08/2024

SC rules: "unjustified absence from the marital home may be considered evidence of psychological incapacity to comply with marital obligations."

The Supreme Court has ruled that decades-long unjustified absence from the marital home may be considered evidence of psychological incapacity to comply with marital obligations.

Read more at: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-unjustified-absence-from-marital-home-considered-psychological-incapacity/

27/08/2024

Guidelines on the Submission of Electronic Pleadings (A.M. No. 10-3-7-SC and A.M. 11-9-4-SC)

18/03/2024

📢 Be advised of the work suspension below for March 20, 2024.

In view of Proclamation No.494 declaring March 20, 2024 as a Special (Non-Working) Day in the City of San Fernando, La Union in celebration of its Founding Anniversary, work is suspended in all RTCs and in the RTC-OCC of San Fernando, La Union on March 20, 2024.

These courts and offices may be reached through their official hotlines and email addresses found at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/court-locator/.

14/02/2024

SC Dismisses Sheriff Who Punched Litigant |

A sheriff who inflicted bodily harm on a litigant while enforcing a writ of ex*****on has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

In a Per Curiam Decision, the Supreme Court adopted the findings of the Judicial Integrity Board (JIB) that Christopher T. Perez, Sheriff IV of Branch 74, Regional Trial Court, Olongapo City, Zambales (Sheriff Perez) should be penalized for grave abuse of authority and gross insubordination.

The Court concluded that Sheriff Perez indeed inflicted bodily harm upon Hanif and is hence guilty of grave abuse of authority, which is defined as a misdemeanor by a public officer, who under color of his or her office, wrongfully inflicts upon any person any bodily harm, imprisonment, or other injury.

The Court also underscored how sheriffs, who serve and implement court writs, execute processes, and carry into effect orders of the court, are expected to know the rules of procedure pertaining to their functions as court officers and show a high degree of professionalism at all times.

The Court similarly found Sheriff Perez guilty of gross insubordination for his repeated non-compliance with the OCA’s directive to furnish his comment. Such defiance constituted clear and willful disrespect, not just for the OCA, but for the Court, which exercises direct administrative supervision over trial court officers and employees through the OCA, held the Court.

The Court further stressed that court personnel subject to administrative complaints cannot just ignore directives for them to comment on a complaint as such shows utter lack of respect for the Court and the institution they represent.

Read more at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/sc-dismisses-sheriff-who-punched-litigant/.

07/01/2024

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