SC ruling a ‘chance to educate public on same-sex marriage’

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the petition seeking recognition for same-sex marriage was a “temporary setback” that will not stop the campaign for marriage equality, the lead lawyer who filed the petition said.

Despite losing their suit, lawyer Jesus Falcis III said the petitioners consider  “a victory the fact that the Supreme Court held oral arguments last year and… (gave us) the opportunity to educate the public.”

“The Supreme Court has made its judgment on the petition. But history will be the ultimate judge,” he added.

But in a press conference in Manila, Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin clarified that the issue was not resolved by the court since the petitioners had no case.

None of the petitioners had filed an application for a marriage license that was rejected because they were a same-sex couple, he added.

“(Falcis) had no legal standing. You will have a legal standing if you suffer injury and you needed the court [to intervene].  There is no actual controversy,” the Chief Justice said.

Catholic bishops lauded the Supreme Court decision that Balanga, Bataan, Bishop Ruperto Santos said, “affirmed what is (the) just, natural and ethical nature of marriage.”

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said the high court’s decision dismissed “an immoral plea to legalize same-sex marriage in our country.”

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo expressed the hope that lawmakers would also give weight “to strengthening families.”

—With a report from Tina G. Santos