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LETTER received: I am an
American citizen. Hardworking Ilocanos, my late parents exerted
their utmost to enable me to get a degree. At the same time, my
parents advised me to invest in the Philippines and finally get
married to a Filipino woman in order to have a united and happy
family.
Now
that I am already established in my profession—with a humble
investment in the Philippines—I am reminded of my parents’
advice to me to get married to a Filipino with a good family
background. Having been raised in the United States, however, I am
not conversant with Philippine laws on marriage and the obligations
of married individuals. US marriages often end up in divorce. I
understand there is no divorce in RP. Can you please help me in my
predicament so that I can pursue my parents’ wish? Thank you in
advance.
Patrick
Advice
Your
parents gave you a brilliant advice, because here in the Philippines
we do not have divorce. To us, divorce is a tool of Satan in
effecting broken homes which produce individuals—people who
disregard the teachings of the Almighty God. On the selection of a
lifetime partner: Dig deep into her family background, because she
may have a mother with a dirty/immoral background. If so, she is
bound to lead you to the gates of hell.
We
wish to inform you that marriage in the Philippines is a special
contract between a man and a woman, entered into in accordance with
law, for the establishment of conjugal and family life. It is the
foundation of a family, an inviolable social institution whose
nature, consequence and incidents are governed by law and not
subject to stipulation, except that marriage settlement may fix the
property relations during the marriage within the limits provided by
the Family Code.
The
following are the requisites of a valid marriage:
• Legal
capacity of the contracting parties who must be a male and a female;
• Consent
given in the presence of the solemnizing officer and, in the
presence of at least two credible witnesses, their personal
declaration that they take each other as husband and wife.
The
marriage gives rise to a family, a basic social institution which
public policy cherishes and protects. Here are some provisions in
the Family Code on the rights and obligations between married
couples:
• The
husband and the wife are obliged to live together, observe mutual
love, respect and fidelity and render mutual help and support.
• The
husband and wife shall fix the family domicile. In case of
disagreement, the court shall decide.
• The
management of the household shall be the right and duty of both
spouses.
• When
one of the spouses neglects his or her duties to the union or
commits acts which tend to bring danger, dishonor or injury to the
other or to the family, the aggrieved party may apply to the court
for relief.
• Either
spouse may exercise any legitimate profession, occupation, business
or activity without the consent of the other. The latter may object
only on valid, serious and moral grounds. In case of disagreement,
the court shall decide.
We
hope that we have given you the necessary data, under the law, about
marriage and obligations of married couples in the Philippines. But
you must realize that under Christian doctrine and the loving
teachings of Jesus Christ, there’s more to marriage than just the
law: Marriage is a way to sanctity (becoming holy or alter Christus,
another Christ, for both the male and female spouse) by being as
heroically devoted to each other and the children.
Lastly,
our thanks to those who remembered us on our 45th wedding
anniversary the other Monday, February 19th.
ABOVE
ALL THINGS, let us reflect on the following words of our Lord and
Master Jesus Christ: “The greatest among you must be our servant.
Whoever exalts himself sill be humbled; but whoever humbles himself
will be exalted. (Matthew, 23:11-12).
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