Deputy Speaker and CIBAC Partylist Rep. Eddie Villanueva hailed Tuesday the Supreme Court decision affirming the Lower Court's conviction a man for causing psychological harm and anguish to his wife as a result of his extramarital affair.
Villanueva lauded what he described a “landmark decision” that was penned by Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta.
In the decision, Peralta affirmed the guilty verdict on Jaime Araza who was charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act and sentenced him to six to eight years in prison.
Specifically, Araza was found guilty of violating Section 5 (1) of RA 9262 causing mental or emotional anguish or humiliation to a woman for his extramarital affairs.
Araza was found to have fathered his paramour three children, which his wife found out.
“This decision of the Supreme Court is not only pro-woman but definitely a big win for the Filipino family. With this decision, we have restored the high premium and regard we Filipinos have in protecting marriages and as well as promoting the interest of the family, which is the very foundation of our society,” said Villanueva.
“With this SC decision which implies that infidelity by a husband can already be penalized under the anti-VAWC law, we are seeing ahead of us a great season of restoration of the country’s moral fiber and values system which will enable this nation to be recipient of God’s blessings and favor,” Villanueva said.
The lawmaker said this case should serve as a warning for husbands against “entertaining thoughts of playing with fire and infidelity.“