Case Title: VELEZ vs. WASSMER (G.R. No.

L-20089)

I. Facts of the Case

Francisco Velez and Beatriz Wassmer decided to get married on September 4, 1954
II. Legal Theories
III. Issue
Whether or not a breach of promise to marry is an actionable wrong.
IV. Holding
Breach of promise to marry per se is not an actionable wrong but based on the facts
presented, Velez is held liable in violation of Article 21 of the Civil Code.
V. Ratio Decidendi
Though the prmise to marry being breached is not actionable because there is no
provision on the Civil Code, the Supreme Court perpetuated that the defendant clearly
acted in a “wanton… reckless and oppressive manner” in calling off the wedding, making
him liable under Article 21 of the Civil Code.