The Supreme Court of the Philippines has clarified that proof of paternity is essential when seeking financial support from an individual accused of economic abuse. This decision, announced on May 6, 2026, stems from a case reviewed by the Court's Third Division.
In a ruling dated November 3, 2025, the Court overturned earlier judgments from the Pasay City Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals regarding a man accused of violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act.
The high court noted that the prosecution could not prove critical elements necessary for a VAWC conviction. Specifically, they failed to establish that the accused and the complainant had a common child and that he intentionally withheld financial support to cause emotional distress.
Here (the aggrieved woman) admitted before the trial court that (the accused) did not give her financial support due to (the child's) uncertain lineage.
Supreme Court Ruling
The ruling emphasized that the accused's alleged refusal to provide support was not intended to inflict psychological harm. The court pointed out that the woman's admission about the uncertainty of the child's paternity undermined her claims.
Moreover, the Court highlighted that the child's birth certificate presented during the trial did not include the father's name, indicating only 'N/A.' The high court stressed that without clear proof of paternity, financial support cannot be mandated.
This landmark decision underscores the importance of establishing paternity in cases involving financial support claims under the VAWC law, setting a precedent for future cases.