Duterte signs into law bill seeking end to child marriage

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill that will end child marriage in the Philippines.

The Palace on Thursday released a copy of Republic Act 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof showing it was signed by Duterte December 10, 2021.

The law defines child marriage as any marriage entered into where one or both parties are children (under 18 years of age), and solemnized in civil or church proceedings, or in any recognized traditional, cultural, or customary manner. It shall include an informal or cohabitation outside of wedlock between an adult and a child, or between children.

The law states the following as unlawful and prohibited acts: facilitation of child marriage, solemnization of child marriage, and cohabitation of an adult with a child outside wedlock.

Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy, author and co-sponsor of the measure at the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude to Duterte for "giving a chance to this law."

"This is a major victory in our campaign to end child marriage in the Philippines. This law will help protect children, especially young girls, and hopefully change the trajectory of their lives," she added.

She said the time has come for the country to end the “longstanding disturbing practice” of child marriage, which, according to her, is a form of violence against children.

Herrera-Dy said a fine of at least P40,000 and jail term of up to 12 years await solemnizing officers, parents, guardians, or adults who fixed, facilitated, or arranged child marriage.

Gabriela party-list Representative Arlene Brosas welcomed this development, describing it as a major step forward in ensuring stronger protection of children from sexual abuse and effects of early marriage.

“This is a historic step towards the criminalization of child marriage, which has trapped several Filipino girls into unwanted and early child-bearing and child-rearing responsibilities and even into cycles of abuse. Pagpapalakas ito ng proteksyon sa kabataang kababaihan mula sa abuso,” Brosas said.

Also, Brosas said the legislation’s approval comes at a time when teenage pregnancy in the country is on an alarming rise amid the pandemic, with a child as young as 10-years-old giving birth.

"We really need to step in and stop the trend while we seek to strengthen protective and support services for children,” Brosas said. --LBG/KBK, GMA News