Case Title: Macadangdang vs.

Court of Appeals

Citation: G.R. No. 115409, June 5, 1996, 257 SCRA 695

Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines

Facts:

The case involves a dispute over paternity and filiation. Petitioner Clarissa Macadangdang filed a
complaint against respondent Salvador Comas and his parents, seeking support for her son, claiming that
Salvador is the child's father. According to Clarissa, she and Salvador had a romantic relationship,
resulting in the birth of their child. However, Salvador denied paternity, arguing that he was not the
father of the child.

Issue or Issues:

Whether or not Salvador Comas is the biological father of Clarissa Macadangdang's child.

Whether Clarissa is entitled to support for her child from Salvador and his parents.

Ruling:

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Clarissa Macadangdang, affirming the decision of the lower court.
The court found that there was sufficient evidence to establish the paternity of Salvador Comas.
Therefore, Salvador was ordered to provide support for the child. The court also held Salvador's parents
liable for support, as the child's entitlement to support extends to the paternal grandparents under
certain circumstances.

Doctrine:

The case reinforces the principle that paternity disputes should be resolved based on clear and
convincing evidence. In cases of filiation, the court may consider various factors, such as testimonies,
medical findings, and other relevant evidence, to determine the biological relationship between the
alleged father and the child.

Legal Basis:

The ruling is anchored on provisions of the Family Code of the Philippines, particularly Article 175, which
establishes the right of illegitimate children to receive support from their parents, and Article 195, which
extends the obligation of support to the grandparents in certain situations. The court also considered
established jurisprudence emphasizing the need for clear and convincing evidence in paternity cases.