Sen. Padilla files a bill legalizing same-sex civil union in PH

Newly elected Senator Robinhood Padilla filed the Senate Bill No. 449, which seeks to legalize same-sex civil union and grant it the same protection under the Family Code of the Philippines.

Senate Bill No. 449 provides that a civil union is allowed between two people who are 18 years old, not engaged in a relationship considered contrary to public policy under the Articles 37 and 38 of the Family Code, and are not yet married. The bill grants all same-sex unions "all the benefits and protections" enjoyed by married couples under existing laws.

In addition, the bill also provides a penalty for those who refuse to issue civil union licenses or certificates, deny rights and benefits entitled to couples in civil unions, or discriminate against couples or their children, with a fine of at least P500,000 to P1 million or jail time of 10 years.

"It is high time that the Philippines provides equal rights and recognition for couples of the same sex with no prejudice as to sexual relationships are protected and recognized and given access to basic social protection and security,” Padilla expressed.

Over the years, the proposal to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines faced strong opposition from various religious institutions particularly from the Roman Catholics. In filing the bill, it cost Padilla the support of the Marawi Grand Mosque’s Grand Imam and his followers.

At this time, same-sex marriage is not allowed under the Family Code as it exclusively provides that marriage is a "special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman.”