Republic of the Philippines v.

Court of Appeals and Roridel Olaviano Molina

G.R. No. 108763. February 13, 1997

Facts:
The respondent Roridel Molina was married to Reynaldo Molina on April 14, 1985. Year after the
marriage, Reynaldo showed a sign of “immaturity and irresponsibility” and spend more time and money
with his friends. While Roridel was alleged to failed to perform some marital duties and handle
household finances. The respondent failed for declaration of nullity of marriage on the grounds of
psychological incapacity of her husband under Article 36 of the Family Code. The trial court declared the
marriage void and it was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

Issue:
Were the acts constituted a psychological incapacity?

Ruling:
No, their acts were not sufficient to constitute psychological incapacity. The law required a
serious personality disorder that was grave enough for the parties to fulfill their marital obligations for it
to constitute a psychological incapacity. That in any doubt should be resolve in favor of the existence
and continuation of the marriage and against its dissolution and nullity, being one of the guidelines in
the interpretation and application of Article 36 of the Family Code. (You May also include the Molina
Doctrine)