‘MAJOR VICTORY’ | Bill prohibiting child marriage in Philippines now a law, says lawmaker

January 6, 2022 , 02:27 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(January 6, 2022) – A lawmaker on Thursday confirmed that the measure criminalizing child marriage in the country is now a law, setting a landmark legislation that advocates consider as a huge step forward in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.

House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy, one of the authors of the bill, was grateful for the enactment of Republic Act 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof, hoping that this would end what she described as the disturbing practice of child marriage.

“This new law is a big step towards ensuring that the children’s rights will be upheld and their well-being and future secured,” said Herrera-Dy, who represents the Bagong Henerasyon Party-list.

According to the Malacañang, it was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last December 10.

Under the law, child marriage has no legal effect from the beginning no matter the circumstance. Anyone found guilty of facilitating or solemnizing child marriage may be subjected to a minimum fine of P40,000 to P50,000 and a possible jail time of 10 to 12 years.

Meanwhile, adults who are proven guilty of cohabiting with a child outside of wedlock would also face a P50,000 fine and 12-year imprisonment.

“This law will help protect children, especially young girls, and hopefully change the trajectory of their lives,” said Herrera-Dy.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will be the lead government agency in implementing the law while civil society organizations must also be consulted.

In a statement, the Girl Defenders Alliance, led by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), lauded the “historic” development.

“The prohibition of child marriage law is a landmark legislation and a legacy of this Congress to women and girls who have long been suffering from the ill effects of child marriage,” said PLCPD executive director Rom Dongeto.

The Philippines ranks as the 10th country in the world with the highest number of child marriages at 808,000, according to Girls Not Brides, a global network of advocacy organizations. It pointed to gender inequality, poverty, and lack of education as factors that drive the problem. It was also noted that child marriage was frequently seen in Muslim and indigenous communities due to traditional norms.

Local organizations like the Child Rights Network (CRN) and Save the Children have also repeatedly supported calls to end child marriage, on top of launching signature campaigns.

“The best interest of children—such as the fulfillment of their right to health and development—needs to be prioritized and must outweigh harmful cultural norms and traditions. The consequences of child marriage are too devastating and the costs are too high,” wrote CRN in its petition.

(PM)

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