Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Facts:
The parties were married on 1 January 1971. In 1996,
respondent filed a petition for declaration of nullity of their
marriage with RTC Manila. Petitioner failed to file her Answer.
Upon motion, the case was set for hearing, respondent
testified, presented his psychiatrist, and rested his case with
no opposition from public prosecutor. On 22 June 1998, the
RTC annulled the marriage. On 3 August 1998, petitioner
moved for leave to file an Omnibus Motion seeking a new trial
or reconsideration of 22 June 1998 Decision. On 11 December
1998, the RTC granted the motion.
Issue:
Whether or not petitioner is deemed to have waived her right
to present further evidence when she failed to appear at the
20 August 2003 hearing; thus, no violation of due process.
Ruling:
Petitioner argues that the lower courts erred in ruling that she
waived her right to present further evidence when she failed to
appear at the August 20, 2003 hearing. She contends that in
effect, she was declared in default, which is violative of the
state policy on marriage as a social institution and the due
process clause of the Constitution.
We disagree.
The instant case was set for hearing twelve times, or on the
following dates:
1. July 17, 2002
2. August 21, 2002
3. October 2, 2002
4. November 13, 2002
5. December 11, 2002
6. February 6, 2003
7. February 20, 2003
8. March 27, 2003
9. April 10, 2003
10. May 8, 2003
11. July 25, 2003
12. August 20, 2003