Cabana, Adrian C.

Case Title : Syed Azhar Abbas vs Gloria Goo Abbas

G.R No. 183896
January 30, 2013

Facts

Petitioner – Syed Azhar filed a petition for the declaration of nullity of his marriage to
Respondent – Gloria Goo Abbas. Syed alleged that while he was staying at the house of Gloria’s mother
in Manila, the latter arrived with 2 men and underwent a ceremony as a requirement for his stay.
Petitioner and the Respodent signed a document which he did not know the purpose. The
former learned that it was a marriage certificate upon investigation he also discovered that marriage
license was procured in Carmona Cavite where neither Syed nor Gloria resided, and the marriage license
was issued under a different name and no marriage license was issued as certified by the Municipal Civil
registrar.

Issue

Whether or not the marriage between Syed and Gloria should be declared void based on the
ground of lack of marriage license?

Ruling

Yes. The Supreme Court held that the absence of any of the essential or formal requisites shall
render the marriage void. A marriage is generally void ab initio if celebrated without a marriage license.
In the given case the marriage between Syed an Gloria without a valid marriage license should
be declared null and void.