CNN Philippines Correspondent Xianne Arcangel contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 9) — As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, a lawmaker stressed the Family Code should recognize weddings held online.
In a House Committee on Revision of Laws hearing on Tuesday, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo brought up House Bill 7042, which states that a marriage is valid if the wedding is conducted physically or virtually. But the couple must be in one location together even if the solemnizing officer is not with them.
“The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused the postponement and cancellation of many wedding ceremonies because of the prohibition on mass gatherings and the health risks posed to everyone,” the congressman told the panel. ” I am fully convinced that now is the opportune time to reevaluate our laws in order for it to adapt to present realities and to fully utilize technological advances.”
The measure covers weddings of Filipino citizens abroad as well with the Philippine Consulate tasked to issue their marriage license. The bill also requires couples to have their marriage certificate notarized before registration with the local civil registrar.
Family law expert and University of the Philippines professor Katrina Legarda agreed with the bill, but adds wedding by proxy should not be allowed.
“We should make sure that the people getting married are the people who are supposed to get married virtually, so I agree with that,” she said.
Salo filed the bill in June last year, but the country is still under quarantine restrictions eight months later.
