House OKs bill banning child marriages in PH

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on Monday a landmark bill that makes child marriages illegal in the Philippines because it “debases, degrades and demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of children.”

Voting 196-0-2, lawmakers approved House Bill No. 9943 that seeks to punish any person who arranges or officiates a child marriage.

Under the bill, any person who causes, fixes, facilitates or arranges marriage to a person below 18 years old will be jailed for eight years and a day to 10 years and be fined at least P40,000.

If the perpetrator is the parent, step-parent, or the guardian, the offender will be jailed for 10 years and a day to 12 years and a fine of at least P50,000.

—NESTOR CORRALES