In Her Latest Episode, PGMN Anchor Atty. Bernice Piñol Rodriguez (Hey Attorney) said marital infidelity can lead to criminal liability under Philippine law when it causes psychological harm to a legal wife, as discussed in a new episode.
Watch the full episode here:
The discussion focused on cases filed under Republic Act 9262, or the Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, where a husband’s extramarital affair may be treated as psychological violence. Courts have upheld convictions when a wife is able to prove that the infidelity caused emotional and mental distress.
Under the law, a case may be filed if the complainant is the legal wife, the husband committed infidelity, and the act resulted in psychological harm. Recent rulings have clarified that the law looks at the effect on the wife rather than the intent of the husband.
It also noted that a mistress may be included in the case under certain conditions through conspiracy, which could make both parties liable and subject to imprisonment ranging from 6 to 12 years.
The episode breaks down how the law is applied in real cases, what evidence courts look for, and where the lines are drawn when infidelity turns into a criminal offense.
