Introduction

In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (VAWC Act), serves as a cornerstone legislation aimed at protecting women and children from various forms of abuse. This law recognizes not only physical and sexual violence but also psychological and economic violence as punishable offenses. One specific manifestation of psychological violence that has gained attention in family law disputes is the denial of paternity by a father or putative father, particularly when such denial occurs without the benefit of a DNA test. This act can inflict severe emotional distress on the mother and child, potentially qualifying as a violation under RA 9262.

This article explores the legal framework surrounding the filing of such a case, including the elements of psychological violence, procedural steps, evidentiary considerations in the absence of DNA testing, potential defenses, remedies available, and relevant jurisprudence. It is grounded in the Philippine legal context, drawing from the provisions of RA 9262, related family laws, and established court rulings.

Understanding RA 9262 and Psychological Violence

RA 9262 defines violence against women and their children as "any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse."

Psychological violence, as specified in Section 5(i) of the Act, refers to acts or omissions causing or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering to the victim. This includes, but is not limited to:

Public ridicule or humiliation
Repeated verbal abuse
Marital infidelity
Stalking or harassment
Denial of financial support or access to property
Acts that demean the victim's dignity or self-worth

Paternity denial fits within this category when it involves deliberate refusal to acknowledge a child, leading to emotional anguish for the mother and potential stigmatization for the child. For instance, if a man denies fatherhood despite prior acknowledgment or cohabitation, this could be interpreted as an act of abandonment or emotional rejection, exacerbating psychological harm. The law does not require physical presence or overt aggression; subtle or ongoing emotional manipulation suffices.

Importantly, RA 9262 applies even in cases where the relationship is not formalized by marriage. It covers intimate partners who share a child, making it applicable to unmarried couples or those in live-in arrangements.

Elements Required for a Violation Based on Paternity Denial

To establish a violation under RA 9262 for psychological violence due to paternity denial, the complainant must prove the following elements:

Relationship Nexus: There must be a qualifying relationship between the offender and the victim. This includes being the father of the child (biological or presumed) or having a sexual/dating relationship with the mother that resulted in the child's conception.
Act of Denial: The offender must have explicitly or implicitly denied paternity. This could manifest through verbal statements, refusal to provide support, exclusion from family records, or public disavowal. The denial must be without a DNA test, as premature denial without scientific evidence can be seen as willful and harmful.
Causation of Psychological Harm: The denial must cause or be likely to cause mental or emotional suffering. Evidence might include the mother's testimony on feelings of rejection, anxiety, depression, or the child's experiences of identity confusion and social stigma.
Intent or Recklessness: While RA 9262 is a special penal law, psychological violence often implies intent to harm or reckless disregard for the emotional well-being of the victims. Courts assess this based on the context, such as repeated denials despite evidence of paternity (e.g., birth certificates listing the father).

It is worth noting that paternity denial alone may not always suffice; it must be linked to broader patterns of abuse. However, in cases where denial leads to economic deprivation (e.g., withholding child support), it may overlap with economic violence under Section 5(e).

Procedural Steps for Filing a Complaint

Filing a case under RA 9262 follows a structured process, emphasizing accessibility and victim protection. The law mandates gender-sensitive handling to minimize re-traumatization.

Step 1: Barangay Intervention

Before escalating to formal courts, the complainant should seek assistance from the local Barangay (village) office. Under the Barangay Protection Order (BPO) system, the Barangay Captain or Kagawad can issue a BPO to immediately stop the violence. This is a non-judicial remedy available within 24 hours. If paternity denial is causing ongoing harm, the BPO can order the offender to cease denials, provide temporary support, or refrain from contact.

If the Barangay cannot resolve the issue (e.g., via mediation), it issues a certification allowing the case to proceed to court.

Step 2: Filing with the Prosecutor's Office or Court

The complaint-affidavit is filed with the Office of the City or Provincial Prosecutor, who conducts a preliminary investigation. Key documents include:

Birth certificate of the child (if the offender is named as father)
Affidavits from the complainant and witnesses detailing the denial and its effects
Medical or psychological reports evidencing emotional distress (e.g., from a psychiatrist or counselor)
Correspondence or records showing the denial (e.g., text messages, emails, or social media posts)

No DNA test is required at filing; the law presumes harm from the act itself. However, if the offender later requests a DNA test, it may be ordered by the court under Rule on DNA Evidence (A.M. No. 06-11-5-SC), but this does not retroactively negate the psychological violence claim.

Step 3: Court Proceedings

Upon finding probable cause, the prosecutor files an information with the Regional Trial Court (designated as Family Court). RA 9262 cases are heard in camera (closed sessions) to protect privacy. The trial focuses on proving the elements beyond reasonable doubt, as violations are criminal offenses.

Penalties include imprisonment from 1 month to 6 years, fines from PHP 100,000 to PHP 300,000, and mandatory psychological counseling for the offender.

Evidentiary Considerations Without DNA Testing

A common challenge in paternity denial cases is the absence of DNA evidence. However, RA 9262 does not mandate DNA proof for establishing psychological violence. Instead, courts rely on circumstantial and testimonial evidence:

Presumption of Paternity: Under the Family Code (Executive Order No. 209), a child born within 300 days of marriage dissolution or during cohabitation is presumed legitimate. Denial without rebutting this presumption can strengthen the violence claim.
Testimonial Evidence: The mother's sworn statement, corroborated by witnesses (e.g., family members who observed the relationship), is often sufficient. Courts give weight to the victim's narrative in VAWC cases.
Documentary Evidence: Prenatal records, ultrasound photos, or joint expenses during pregnancy can imply acknowledgment.
Expert Testimony: Psychologists can testify on the long-term effects of paternity denial, such as attachment disorders in children or post-traumatic stress in mothers.

If DNA testing is eventually conducted (voluntarily or court-ordered), a positive result could bolster the case, but a negative one might lead to dismissal—though the initial denial's harm may still be actionable if it was baseless and caused suffering.

Potential Defenses and Counterclaims

Offenders may raise defenses such as:

Good Faith Belief: Claiming a genuine belief in non-paternity based on circumstances (e.g., infidelity allegations). However, without pursuing DNA testing promptly, this defense weakens.
Lack of Relationship: Arguing no intimate relationship existed, requiring the complainant to prove otherwise.
No Harm Caused: Disputing the psychological impact, which can be countered with medical evidence.

Counterclaims for moral damages or child custody disputes may arise, but RA 9262 prioritizes victim protection, often granting Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) or Permanent Protection Orders (PPOs) to safeguard the complainants.

Remedies and Support Mechanisms

Beyond criminal penalties, RA 9262 provides civil remedies:

Protection Orders: TPOs (up to 30 days) and PPOs (indefinite) can mandate child support, custody arrangements, and cessation of denial.
Damages: Victims can claim actual, moral, exemplary, and attorney's fees.
Support Services: Government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offer counseling, shelters, and legal aid. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Philippine Commission on Women provide additional resources.

In paternity-specific contexts, victims may file parallel actions under the Family Code for support or legitimation, but RA 9262 takes precedence for violence aspects.

Jurisprudence and Case Studies

Philippine courts have increasingly recognized paternity denial as psychological violence. In People v. Genosa (G.R. No. 135981, 2004), emotional abuse was highlighted as a defense in related cases, setting precedents for VAWC. More directly, in AAA v. BBB (G.R. No. 212448, 2018), the Supreme Court upheld psychological violence claims involving denial of support and emotional neglect.

In unreported lower court decisions, denials without DNA have led to convictions where patterns of abandonment were evident, emphasizing the law's intent to protect vulnerable families.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its strengths, enforcing RA 9262 faces hurdles:

Evidentiary Burdens: Without DNA, cases rely heavily on subjective testimony, leading to acquittals if not well-substantiated.
Cultural Stigma: Victims may hesitate due to societal pressures, particularly in conservative communities.
Resource Limitations: Rural areas lack access to psychological experts or swift judicial processes.

Amendments and implementing rules (e.g., Department of Justice Circulars) continue to refine procedures, but full implementation remains uneven.

Conclusion

Filing a RA 9262 violation for psychological violence due to paternity denial without DNA testing empowers women and children to seek justice against emotional harm. By focusing on the act's impact rather than biological proof, the law underscores the Philippines' commitment to human rights and family integrity. Victims are encouraged to consult legal professionals or VAWC desks for personalized guidance, ensuring that such denials do not perpetuate cycles of abuse.