CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA)--Through the stringent implementation of Republic Act No. 11596 (RA 11596) s. 2021, otherwise known as "An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof," cohabitation and marriage for persons under the age of 18 may now be penalized as a crime.
"Actually, naa na na siya sa family code na kung iminyo ang naa sa menor de edad, dili na siya valid nga kasal. Now this time, with the passage of this law, ang kana nga practice has now become a public crime. Apil na ani na balaod ang living together, meaning to say "live in" or cohabitation. Crime na siya so naa na'y imprisonment nga kaakibat," said Lawyer Kay Lazarito-Calingin, chief gender and development specialist of the Philippine Commission on Women Northern Mindanao Field Office (PCW NMFO), during the Talakayan sa PIA at SM CDO Downtown Premier, March 6.
(Actually, that’s already in the family code—if a minor marries, the marriage is invalid. Now this time, with the passage of this law, that practice has become a public crime. This law also includes the act of living together, meaning to say "live in" or cohabitation. Because that is a crime, it may also be grounds for imprisonment)
Lazarito-Calingin explained that in the law, a "child" is anyone under the age of 18 or anyone over the age of 18 who can't take care of themselves fully because of certain conditions.
She further explained that persons who help facilitate the child marriage may be charged with the crime. These may be the parents of the child or children, public officers that took part in consummating the child marriage, or even the solemnizing officers.
"The reason why this law was passed was because this practice robs young girls and boys the freedom to choose who to marry during a time when they are not yet ready—physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially," said Lazarito-Calingin.
Other than the Talakayan media forum, PWC, in partnership with the Region 10 Gender Advocates (GA), will be holding more events in line with the women’s month celebration.
On March 27, they will be holding a "Safe Spaces" caravan. Fellow GA-10 partner, the Commission on Human Rights-10, will also be offering free legal consultations.
