Domestic violence is one of the most common factors that results to filing of annulment. It was in the newspapers recently that there had been an increase in petitions for nullity of marriage being filed in the courts (mostly initiated by women.). We have asked people for their opinions. In this issue, let us hear what our femalebattlers have to say - The Editor

"WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE REASON WHY THERE ARE MORE ANNULMENT CASES BEING FILED NOWADAYS?"

If maraming female ang nag file probably reason nila ay sawa na sila sa katamaran ng mga pinoy na husband at pagiging palaasa nila sa mga wifey. Also, female today are educated and aware of their husband's role as padre de familia. Those who filed can probably afford to live on their own or will try to live on their own just to unload them sa sobra bigat na ang problem nila. More so, ang Filipino males ay parang bang aliw na aliw kung maraming silang asawa or girlfriend at minsan nang-uumbag pa if they cannot get what they want... sorry nalang sila. Also, they are males who are sobrang alcohol drinker, gambler, bading kaya at pinaka worse drug addict.... annulment ang solution sa ganitong klase ng buhay. Siguro ilan na lang ang responsibleng padre de familia. These could some of the reason why more annulment cases now a days in my opinion..... - Fe Empay

Annulment, for me is never a solution. So long as there's annulment moreso divorce, more and more couple would just get into marriage thinking that they could always have their way out. - Anne Fernando

For me, the problem is that people sometimes rush into marriage without really knowing each other well beforehand. sometimes people choose the wrong partner. sometimes people just give up on their marriages. I think legalizing divorce is not the answer, but rather, would create more problems. more and more people would just get married even if they've known each other for only a week or if they're not really sure, simply because they know they can always have a divorce later on. - Cherry C. Thelmo-Fernandez

The reason why there are more filed cases of annulment nowadays is just that the relationship that built between two persons is weak and not strong enough to handle consequences of life. Two people who are in a relationship must build their TRUST to each other, also we should practice courteousness and recognition,, kase ito yung nawawala later in the marriage. - EJ Esmalde

Because they have the money to finance the case ... simple say they are not compatible and find another partner...later kapag sawa na sila ulit hindi na naman sila compatible kaya annulment na naman. Ganun lang yun siguro bisyo na ng mayayaman. Kung walang pera ang involve na parties, I'm sure they'd find ways and means to make their marriage work or if the couple have the Lord within them the more they make things work for the sake of the children and respect to the Lord. - Marison Adorable

First, I think there are more annulment cases nowadays because of social awareness. Since most annulment cases were initiated by women, and the recognition for women’s rights is widespread. The acceptance level is already high. Social awareness was also brought about by the media, which means annulment cases are already mainstream. The topic is no longer taboo (at least to some). We use to hear cases of separation before. There are already battered wives, unhappy marriages, and broken homes. What made a buzz about annulment is that at least those issues can now be settled. Also a lot of lawyers are already specializing in the field, which made annulment easier and "accessible". Second, I think it is lifestyle. Everything nowadays is dispensable and mostly done in a hurry. If something does not conform to what we like, we immediately replace it. Same thing goes with our choices, both personal and relational. All of these eventually affect our values and how we view things. Mostly, the thinking nowadays is "if annulment will be convenient for the parties concerned, why not?" - Ava Esparas

First, I think the rise in the number of annulment cases may be attributed to the decreasing value being put into the sanctity of marriage. There are more couples now jumping into marriage without really thinking what they are getting themselves into, much less getting themselves prepared for the life ahead; emotionally, mentally, even physically. Such a weak foundation does not prepare couples for problems or challenges that they may not have anticipated to arise; hence they turn to annulment as a venue to get themselves out of their situation. On the other hand, and in a positive outlook, such rise in the cases may also show that couples nowadays are more aware of their options, especially the women who initiate filing of cases. When a partner realizes that it's no longer wise (and practical) to keep the marriage, for example in cases of adultery and domestic violence; such may show that women now are more inclined to assert their right to a fair, safe and fulfilling relationship, unlike in the olden times when women are supposed to just keep quiet and put up with their situation. - Ayie Alcos

Probably because divorce is illegal here. Before it's all legal separation. But they cannot marry again even if they find the right partner. I'm really against divorce and annulment because others use this to their advantage. But it's really a case to case basis. Sometimes kasi akala mo kilala mo na iyong tao pero after marriage lumalabas ang mga sungay. - Aileen Salvador

In most cases, I guess the couple got married for the wrong reasons. Emotional and spiritual foundation to a relationship is important which can carry through the most difficult times all relationships experience. The couple will have little chance of standing the test of time if one of them or both are not ready and dedicated to it... Some people think that filing an annulment is the best way out or to correct the mistake they've done. Further, what's the purpose of still staying together if the core is alredy gone.. the worst is if nasasaktan nyo na ang isa't isa which will also hurt the kids eventually. - Melanie

The most common reason, I think, is that the wife cannot bear his husband's immaturity (mental incapacity) which in some cases leads to being battered wives, some says it's because of the husband's philandering ways, making the same (mental incapacity) as their sole reason. I know of cases wherein the husband initiated to file the case in court. This is probably the reason why, there has been several debates on allowing divorce to be part of our system. They make use of annulment to get out of a relationship which, in the first place was their own doing (you know what I mean?) I really believe that if people will be cautious enough to know the person with whom they want to spend their life with, this issues will never be "issues" anymore. - Ina

All of us, being human, commit mistakes in our journey through life. If the mistake is getting into marriage for the wrong reason and staying on in the relationship would result to a loss of self-worth, I think it is but right to give them a chance to find a better parter and live a life in bliss and free from battery. Contrary to what others believe in, clinical and psychological analysis shows that children are better off in an environment free from physical and emotional hurts, which could only be attained if "fighting" couples live separate lives. - Klara de Guzman

Civil Annulment Procedures by Atty. Jeanie Pulido