In a recent ruling (G.R. 267998, 23 April 2025), the Supreme Court reaffirmed both the sanctity of marriage and the strength of good faith between spouses. The case once again reminded us that while civil law governs the form of marriage, faith and sincerity bind its spirit.

The controversy arose when a wife, more than two decades after her wedding, sought to have her marriage declared void. She alleged that the man who officiated the ceremony was not the judge listed in their marriage contract but another individual entirely — a fellow member of the Rotary Club. The supposed officiant was indicated in the marriage certificate as the solemnizing officer. Yet, years later, doubts were raised about whether it was truly he who presided over the ceremony.

Both the trial court and the Court of Appeals dismissed the wife’s petition. They ruled that she failed to prove her claim, emphasizing that the marriage contract, being a public document, carries a presumption of validity. The Supreme Court affirmed their findings, reminding us that a marriage is presumed valid unless proven otherwise by clear and convincing evidence.

Under Article 35(2) of the Family Code, a marriage officiated by one without authority is generally void. But there is an exception — when either or both parties honestly and in good faith believe that the officiant had the authority to solemnize the union. The Court held that such was the case here: The wife herself admitted she believed at the time that the officiant was authorized to perform marriages. This honest belief shielded the marriage from nullity.

The Court’s reasoning rests on more than legal technicalities. It echoes a deeper truth: that marriage, in both law and faith, is not to be taken lightly. It is not a contract to be dissolved upon discovery of procedural imperfections, but a covenant grounded in trust, commitment, and love. The good faith of the spouses reflects the moral intention that makes marriage sacred — a union of hearts before God and man.

From a Catholic perspective, marriage is more than a social arrangement or legal status. It is a vocation. The Church teaches that marriage is a sacrament instituted by Christ and that its validity depends not merely on human authority but on divine intention. Thus, while civil law looks to form and authority, faith looks to consent and sincerity.

The Supreme Court’s decision, seen through this lens, affirms that when two people enter marriage believing in its sanctity and legitimacy, their union bears the seal of moral truth. The law, in recognizing their good faith, upholds not only justice but also mercy.

In an age where marriages are too often tested by doubt, this ruling is a quiet reminder that faith — both in God and in one another — remains the foundation of every lasting union.

For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cad@divinalaw.com.