Case Digest (G.R. No. L-14628) Core Legal Reasoning Model
Core Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
On October 4, 1954, Soledad Cagigas (hereafter “complainant”), a former high-school teacher turned life insurance agent in Cebu, filed before the Court of First Instance of Cebu a complaint against Francisco Hermosisima (hereafter “petitioner”). She sought: (1) acknowledgment of their child, Chris Hermosisima, as petitioner’s natural daughter; (2) support for the child; and (3) moral damages for an alleged breach of promise to marry. Petitioner admitted paternity and his willingness to support the child but denied ever promising marriage. The trial court granted alimony pendente lite of ₱50.00 monthly, later reduced to ₱30.00. On final hearing, it declared Chris a natural child, confirmed ₱30.00 monthly support, awarded ₱4,500.00 as actual and compensatory damages, ₱5,000.00 as moral damages, and ₱500.00 for attorney’s fees. Petitioner appealed. The Court of Appeals affirmed the support award but increased actual damages to ₱5,614.25 and moral damages to ₱7,000.0 Case Digest (G.R. No. L-14628) Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Expanded Legal Reasoning Model
Facts:
- Parties, complaint, and procedural history
- On October 4, 1954, Soledad Cagigas (“complainant”) filed a complaint in the Court of First Instance of Cebu against Francisco Hermosisima (“petitioner”) for:
- Acknowledgment of Chris Hermosisima as petitioner’s natural child;
- Support of the child;
- Moral damages for alleged breach of promise to marry.
- Petitioner admitted paternity and willingness to support the child, but denied any promise to marry.
- The trial court granted alimony pendente lite of ₱50/month (October 27, 1954), later reduced to ₱30/month (February 16, 1955).
- Relationship background and events leading to action
- From 1950, complainant (born July 1917), then a teacher, and petitioner (approx. ten years younger), were socially regarded as engaged despite no formal promise.
- In 1953, after an evening at the movies, they had sexual intercourse aboard M/V “Escano.” In February 1954, upon learning of her pregnancy, petitioner allegedly promised to marry.
- Child born June 17, 1954; on July 24, 1954, petitioner married another woman, prompting the present action.
- Decisions below and appeal
- The trial court’s decision (1955) declared Chris as petitioner’s natural child, confirmed ₱30/month support, and awarded:
- ₱4,500 actual and compensatory damages;
- ₱5,000 moral damages;
- ₱500 attorney’s fees, plus costs.
- On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed but increased:
- Actual damages to ₱5,614.25 (adding ₱144.20 medical/hospital expenses and child support expenses);
- Moral damages to ₱7,000.
Issues:
- Whether moral damages are recoverable under Philippine law for breach of promise to marry.
- Whether petitioner can be held liable for “seduction” under Article 2219(3) of the Civil Code, thereby justifying moral damages.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)