Over 6,000 indigent couples have legitimized their union in month-long mass wedding in Quezon City.
Dubbed “Feb-ibig,” the mass weeding included 6,233 indigent Quezon City couples who have been living together, some for as long as four decades, were finally able to solemnize their union through the Kasalang Bayan for free.
The children of the couples who were married through the city government’s program may now change their illegitimate status to legitimated children by subsequent marriage.
Executive Order No. 209 of 1987 or the Family Code of the Philippines (Article 165) defines illegitimate children as “children conceived and born outside a valid marriage.” Aside from that, Article 176 of the Family Code also states that illegitimate children have less rights compared to legitimate children.
Legitimated children by subsequent marriage shall enjoy the same rights as legitimate children and this effect shall retroact to the time of the child’s birth (Article 179-180, Family Code).
The city government said the couples could also enjoy the legal benefits that come with marriage.
All fees for the marriage processing are free, including the application for marriage license and registration of marriage certificate.
The traditional cake-cutting and wine tasting were also participated in by selected newly-weds after the ceremony to add to the mass weddings’ festivities. They also receive wedding gifts from their sponsors.