Character imperfections

This case of Larry and Angie explains the meaning of "psychological incapacity" as envisioned by the framers of the Family Code when they drafted Article 36 patterned after the Canon Law.

- JOSE C. SISON

Larry and Angie got married on Oct. 3, 1984. They were blessed with four children. But after 11 years of marriage, several incidents involving Angie happened, which manifested a "negative marital behavior."

Sometime in September 1995, Angie arrived home at four o'clock in the morning. Her excuse was that she watched a video program in a neighboring town. But later she admitted that she had a Palestinian boyfriend and slept with him. Larry nevertheless tried to persuade her to be conscientious of her duties as wife and mother. But his pleas were ignored and sometimes ended in violent quarrels.

Despite all these incidents, Larry still tried to reconcile with Angie, apparently because he still deeply loved her and wanted to save their marriage for the sake of their children. So with Angie's commitment to reform, Larry was dissuaded from getting a legal separation. They finally reconciled and tried to start a new life as a couple.

However, a few months after, Angie was back to her old ways. One day when Larry arrived home, Angie was nowhere to be found. He searched for her and found her in a nearby apartment, drinking beer with a male lover. Later, Angie confessed that she had no more love for Larry. So they lived separately.