BEATRIZ P.

WASSMER

vs.

FRANCISCO X. VELEZ

G.R. No. L-20089 December 26, 1964

BENGZON, J.P., J:

Facts: Following their mutual promise of love, Francisco X. Velez and Beatriz P. Wassmer decided to get
married, setting the date of the wedding on September 4, 1954. Necessary preparations were
undertaken for the said event, such as obtaining a marriage license, printing and sending out invitations
as well as purchasing the bride-to-bes trousseau, party dresses and apparel. However, two days before
the wedding, Francisco went away, leaving Beatriz with a note to postpone the wedding because of his
mothers opposition. But the day before the wedding, he sent her a telegram, telling her that nothings
changed and that he would be back very soon. Thereafter, Velez did not appear nor did Wassmer hear
anything from him again.

Issue: Whether the mere breach of promise to marry is an actionable wrong?

Rulings: The breach of promise to marry is not an actionable wrong, there having no provision in the
Civil Code stating such. The fact that the couple have gone through all the necessary preparations, gives
the plaintiff a reason to demand for payment of damages. Violating Article 21 of the Civil Code stating
that 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, the defendant was ordered to pay the
plaintiff for moral and exemplary damage.