Total ban on child marriage effective in the Philippines

On Thursday, January 6, a copy of the Republic Act No. 11596 also known as “An act prohibiting the practice of child marriage and imposing penalties for violations thereof” was sent to the journalists to report and circulate the news in the media. The law includes the imposing of sanctions and penalties to those who still perform and believe in the practice of child marriage. As well as the act of union and living together of an adult and a child outside wedlock. Those who will be found and charged guilty will be sentenced for up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine for up to P50,000. “No child must be forced to marry anyone. We must be free to choose who we want to spend the rest of our lives with,” declared by House Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy last Thursday. Moreover, for further implementation of the consolidated measures. The law states that the government is responsible to provide information, skills, and support networks to empower children. This also includes the improvements on the accessibility of education, as well as interventions for parents and the whole community to finally put an end to child marriage. Before ultimately given effectivity, the bill was initially passed in November 2020 by the Senate. It was first approved by the lower house last September 6, 2021, before the bicameral report was finally given ratification on September 27.