^

Headlines

SC sets oral debates on petition to pave way for same-sex marriages

Kristine Joy Patag - Philstar.com
SC sets oral debates on petition to pave way for same-sex marriages

Members and allies of the LGBT community gathered for Pride March in Marikina City, June 2017. Michael Rebuyas

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has set oral debates on a petition that seeks to pave the way for same-sex marriage in the Philippines.

After almost three years, the petition filed by lawyer Jesus Nicolas Falcis III assailing provisions of the Family Code banning same-sex marriage has gained traction at the high court.

SC spokesperson Theodore Te said that "the Court set the case for oral arguments on June 19, 2:00 in the afternoon."

"The petition is one for certiorari and prohibition challenging certain provisions of the Family Code on marriage where they impact on 'same-sex' marriages," Te added.

Falcis, on May 2015 filed a petition for certiorari and asked the SC to declare as unconstitutional Articles 1 and 2 of Family Code, which limit marriage to unions between a man and a woman.

Article 1 provides: "Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life."

Article 2, meanwhile, states: "No marriage shall be valid, unless these eseential requisites are present: Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must be a male and a female."

Falcis, who identified himself in the petition as gay, argued that limiting marriage to heterosexual couples is a violation of the rights to due process and equal protection.

The Family Code was issued as Executive Order 209 in 1987 by President Corazon Aquino.

FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

SUPREME COURT

Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with