Palace on Same Sex Marriage: “National Policy on Marriage has not Changed”

(PNA) – Malacanang on Sunday said the country will continue to adhere to its national policy on marriage amid reports that the Supreme Court of the United States has approved same sex marriage.

”Our existing law on this is clear. In the Family Code of the Philippines, the only recognized marriage is between a man and a woman,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma said in Radyo ng Bayan interview.

Coloma recited the Family Code’s special provision which states: “Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between the man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life.”

”That’s why all same sex marriage of the Filipinos contracted in foreign country is not recognized in our country,” Coloma said.

Coloma also cited the Article 15 of the Civil Codes of the Philippines which provides: “Laws relating to family rights and duties, or to the status, condition and legal capacity of persons are binding upon citizens of the Philippines, even though living abroad.”

”Nothing has change on that national policy. If there is any proposal, it should go to Congress,” Coloma said. (PNA) CTB/JFM