CWC: Child marriages illegal in PH regardless of religion, culture
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has expressed alarm over an unlawful and void “marriage” between a 10-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl in a supposed “traditional Maranao” wedding recorded on social media.
Executive Director Angelo Tapales told the Inquirer that the CWC is seeking the help of the concerned local government concerned since the law against child marriages, which have been outlawed since 2021, “applies to everyone, regardless of religion or culture.”
In a separate statement, CWC denounced the wedding between the two minors in a lavish ceremony attended by what seemed like their own families and relatives. It was featured in a same-day edit video uploaded by Tuladan Studios, a photo and video production company based in Iligan City.
Based on the caption of the post, the reception venue was at an events place in Marawi City.
Citing Republic Act No. 11596, or the law prohibiting child marriages, CWC stressed that early marriage among children and teens below aged 18 violates a child’s rights and is a crime under the law.
Violation of children’s rights
“Child marriage is a violation of children’s rights that affects their development. Often, children involved in early marriage are forced to drop out of school, become parents early, and face a high risk of health complications,” the agency said.
Under the law, it is prohibited to facilitate, perform or officiate over a child marriage and any child marriage ceremony is considered void ab initio, or void from the start.
CWC urged the public to report cases of adolescent marriages to CWC’s Makabata Helpline 1383 for appropriate action.
The Inquirer reached out to Tuladan Studios regarding the viral video, but it has yet to issue a statement.
