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Sample Memorandum in Civil Cases
Sample Memorandum in Civil Cases
- Versus - for:
Respondent.
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MEMORANDUM
PREFATORY
THE PARTIES
1.P e t i t i o n e r J a n e D o e i s o f l e g a l a g e , a n d r e s i d i n g o n 1 0 1 0
Gi n o o Boulevard, Pasay City, where she may be served with legal processes
and notices issued by this Honorable Court;
2. Respondent Juan Dela Cruz is of legal age and residing on 123 Binibini
Street,Quezon City, and may be served with legal processes and other judicial
notices thereto.
PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
MATERIAL FACTS
5. Jane testified that she first met Juan in 1981 at the San Lazaro Hospital
where they worked as medical student clerks. At that time, she regarded Juan as
a very thoughtful person who got along well with other people. They soon
became sweethearts. Three years after, they got married.
6. Jane averred that Juan kind and gentle demeanor did not last
long. In the public eye, Juan was the picture of a perfect husband and father. This
was not the case in his private life. At home, Jane described Juan as a harsh
disciplinarian, unreasonably meticulous, easily angered. Juan unreasonable way
of imposing discipline on their children was the cause of their frequent fights
as a couple. Jane complained that this was in stark contrast to the alleged lavish
affection Juan has for his mother. Juan deep attachment to his mother and his
dependence on her decision-making were incomprehensible to Jane.
10. Juan countered that the true cause of Jane’s hostility against him was
their professional rivalry. It began when he refused to heed the
memorandum released by Christ the King Hospital. The memorandum ordered
him to desist from converting his own lying-in clinic to a primary or secondary
hospital. Dela Cruz family owns Holy Income Hospital which is situated in the
same subdivision as Juan’s clinic and residence. In other words, he and her
family have competing or rival hospitals in the same vicinity.
12. He also defended his show of affection for his mother. He said there
was nothing wrong for him to return the love and affection of the person who
reared and looked after him and his siblings. This is especially apt now that his
mother is in her twilight years. Juan pointed out that Jane found fault in this
otherwise healthy relationship because of her very jealous and possessive nature.
13. This same overly jealous behavior of Jane drove Juan to avoid
the company of female friends. He wanted to avoid any further
misunderstanding with his wife. But, Jane instead conjured up stories about his
sexual preference. She also fabricated tales about pornographic materials found
in his possession to cast doubt on his masculinity.
14. To corroborate his version, he presented his brother, Alden Dela Cruz.
He narrated that he usually stayed at Juan’s house during his weekly trips
to Manila from Iriga City. He was a witness to the generally harmonious
relationship between his brother Juan and sister-in-law, Jane. True, they
had some quarrels typical of a husband and wife relationship. But there
was nothing similar to what Jane described in her testimony
15. Alden further testified that he was with his brother on the day Jane
allegedly saw Juan kissed another man. He denied that such an incident
occurred. On that particular date, he and Juan went straight home from a trip to
Bicol. There was no other person with them at that time, except their driver
16. Juan expressed his intention to refute Dr. Santibanez findings by
presenting his own expert witness. However, no psychiatrist was presented
ISSUES
DISCUSSION
While in Art 46 (4) states a marriage may be considered null and void
if: Concealment of drug addiction, habitual alcoholism or homosexuality or
lesbianism existing at the time of the marriage. No other misrepresentation or
deceit as to character, health, rank, fortune or chastity shall constitute such fraud
as will give grounds for action for the annulment of marriage
Since the allegations of Jane are after the celebration of their marriage, we
have to distinguish. If the husband has been in a same sex relationship even
before marriage and he concealed such fact in order to obtain by fraud the
consent of the other party, then marriage may be annulled by the injured party
(not by the wife) within 5 years from discovery of fraud.
Jane’s petition for nullity had no basis at all because the supporting
grounds relied upon cannot legally make a case under Article 46 of the
Family Code. In the same light, Republic v. Molina:[54]
What was proven in the hearings a quo was a relatively blissful marital
union for more than eleven (11) years, which produced three (3) children. The
burden of proof to show the nullity of the marriage rests on Jane. Sadly, she
failed to discharge this onus.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that after
trial, judgment be rendered by this Honorable Court declaring the Petition for
Annulment of Marriage between the Petitioner and the Respondent be dismissed
by lack of evidence.
Erika R. Maggay
GayTezGay and Associates Law Office
Counsel for the Respondent
2/F Madrigal Bldg. 183, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Doc.No.; _____
Page No.; _____
Book No.; _____
Series of 2013.