Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 216

Introduced by Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Marriage is an institution protected by both the laws of God and of man. Section 12,
Article II of the Philippine Constitution states, “The State recognizes the sanctity of life and shall
Protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous institution. ”

Today's culture sees marriages attacked on all fronts, threatening the well being of the
Filipino family. Factors such as increase in teenage pregnancies, western cultural influences
such as “living in”, a decline in the practice of traditional Filipino values and the lack of
preparedness in entering into a supposedly lifetime partnership contribute to the decline of this
sacred institution, On the other hand, manifestations of failed or failing marriages include
adultery and concubinage, physical abuse of spouse and children, physical separation, frequent
quarrels, among others.

At present, married couples have the option of petitioning for legal separation or an
annulment, These ate options that provide a way out for couples who feel that they can no
longer sustain their marriage.

In fact, some are even calling for the passage of a law that will legalize absolute divorce
in this country.

However, the passage of a law legalizing absolute divorce will not improve the current
situation. In fact, it could even make marriages fragile and prone to further deterioration because
of the availability of an “escape clause”. Instead of couples putting in more effort in preserving
the family, it provides an open back door that can be used anytime one of the partners feels like
doing so. Divorce is supposedly intended as a cure for marriages in trouble. But while it may
cure one ailing marriage, it will endanger new ones,

It is well for everyone to remember and realize that married life is not a bed of roses. It
requires understanding between husband and wife, maturity in dealing with problems that they
will surely encounter, and willful effort on the part of both spouses to make it successful.

The present law only prescribes marriage counseling in cases where parental consent or
parental advice is needed. But as it is said, “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound
of cure”. This bill aims to provide for mandatory marriage counseling for all couples intending
to marry. It seeks to educate couples on the rigors of marriage and how to cope with the
challenges that will face them everyday for the rest of their lives.


This bill seeks to strengthen the family, as mandated by the Constitution.

For the interest of the future generation, passage of this bill is earnestly sought

RO: iO Me, 4 f

Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
‘THIRTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House BillNo. 216

Introduced by Hon. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon

AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE 16 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209 AS AMENDED BY
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 227, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES, MAKING IT MANDATORY FOR COUPLES TO UNDERGO
COUNSELING PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Mandatory Marriage
‘Counseling Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — Section 12 Article II of the Constitution provides,
“The State recognizes the sanctity of life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous institution”.

SECTION 3. Article 16 of Executive Order No. 209 as amended by Executive Order
No. 227 is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Article 16, [In the case where parental consent or parental advice is needed, the party or
parties concerned] PARTIES SEEKING THE ISSUANCE OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE shall,
in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, attach a certificate issued by a priest,
imam or minister authorized to solenmize marriage under Article 7 of this Code or a marriage
counselor duly accredited by the proper government agency to the effect that the contracting
parties have undergone marriage counseling. Failure to attach said certificate of marriage
counseling shall suspend the issuance of the marriage license for a period of three months. IN
CASES UNDER ARTICLE 15 OF THIS CODE, SUSPENSION SHALL BE THREE
MONTHS from the completion of the publication of the application. Issuance of the marriage
license within the prohibited period shall subject the issuing officer to administrative sanctions
but shall not affect the validity of the marriage.

[Should only one of the contracting parties need parental consent or advice, the other
party must be present at the counseling referred to in the preceding paragraph. ]”

SECTION 4. Repeating Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


SECTION 5. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
force and effect.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Approved,