Case Summary (G.R. No. L-18630)
Key Dates
- December 1957: Initial acquaintance and commencement of courtship.
- July 1958–July 1959: Period of repeated intimate relations premised on promises of marriage.
- December 17, 1966: Decision of the Supreme Court authorizing review and final judgment.
Procedural History
- Civil Case No. Q-4797, Court of First Instance of Rizal: Complaint for support and damages dismissed for failure to state a cause of action.
- Appeal to the Court of Appeals, Case No. 27210-R: Affirmed dismissal of support claim, but recognized a cause of action for damages under Article 21 of the Civil Code.
- Appeal by Tanjanco to the Supreme Court: Challenge to the Court of Appeals’ recognition of damages.
Facts
- From December 1957, Tanjanco courted Santos and professed promises of marriage.
- Relying on these assurances, Santos consented to repeated acts of carnal knowledge from July 1958 through July 1959.
- Santos became pregnant; she resigned from her secretary position to avoid social embarrassment.
- Upon learning of her condition, she demanded marriage; Tanjanco ceased all visits and broke off the engagement.
- Santos sued for recognition of the unborn child, monthly support (P430.00), moral and exemplary damages (P100,000.00), and attorney’s fees (P10,000.00).
Applicable Law
- 1935 Philippine Constitution (governing constitution at time of decision).
- Civil Code of the Philippines, Article 21: “Any person who willfully causes loss or injury to another in a manner that is contrary to morals, good customs or public policy shall compensate the latter for the damage.”
- Jurisprudential definitions of seduction (U.S. vs. Buenaventura, 27 Phil. 121; U.S. vs. Arlante, 9 Phil. 595).
Issue
Whether the complaint alleges facts sufficient to constitute a tortious “seduction” under Article 21 of the Civil Code, thereby supporting an action for moral damages.
Court’s Analysis
- The Court of Appeals relied on a legislative memorandum illustrating Article 21’s coverage of moral wrongs such as seduction of a minor, where deceit and abuse of confidence induce sexual relations.
- Supreme Court clarified that seduction involves artful persuasion and deception leading to sexual intercourse, not mere consensual relations between adults.
- The allegations demonstrate mutual consent and voluntary intimacy over an extended period; Santos repeatedly yielded to Tanjanco’s advances, indicating no element of deceit or
Case Syllabus (G.R. No. L-18630)
Facts of the Case
- In December 1957, Apolonio Tanjanco (defendant-appellant) began courting Araceli Santos (plaintiff-appellee), both adults.
- Defendant professed undying love and promised marriage; plaintiff reciprocated such feelings.
- In July 1958, and regularly thereafter until about July 1959 (except when defendant was abroad in December 1958), plaintiff consented to defendant’s repeated pleas for carnal knowledge in consideration of those promises.
- As a result of these intimate relations, plaintiff became pregnant (confirmed July 1959).
- Plaintiff informed defendant of her condition and again pleaded for marriage; defendant ceased all visits and effectively broke off the engagement.
- Due to her pregnancy and to avoid social humiliation, plaintiff resigned from her secretary position at IBM Philippines, Inc., where she earned ₱230.00 per month.
- Plaintiff alleged mental anguish, besmirched reputation, wounded feelings, moral shock, social humiliation, and inability to support herself and her unborn child.
Complaint and Prayer
- Filed in the Court of First Instance of Rizal (Civil Case No. Q-4797) for:
• Recognition of the unborn child.
• Monthly support of not less than ₱430.00 for plaintiff and child.
• ₱100,000.00 moral and exemplary damages.
• ₱10,000.00 attorney’s fees.
Trial Court Ruling
- Upon defendant’s motion, the CFI d