President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 11596 known as the Anti Child Marriage Bill that seeks to ban child marriage in the Philippines, according to House Speaker Bernadette Herrera. 

Under the law, the solemnization of child marriage and cohabitation of both an adult and a child outside wedlock would be considered an unlawful act. A fine of at least P40,000 and jail up to 12 years would be imposed upon those who will solemnize child marriage. 

House Speaker Herrera, who also authored the bill, considered this as a victory with their campaign to end child marriage in the Philippines. 

“This is a major victory in our campaign to end child marriage in the Philippines. This law will help protect children, especially young girls, and hopefully, change the trajectory of their lives.” Herrera said. 

The House Deputy Speaker expressed her gratitude to President Duterte as he signed it into a law that resulted at the end of the longstanding disturbing practice of child marriage. 

“Thank you PRRD for giving a chance to this law. This new law is a big step towards ensuring that the children’s rights will be upheld and their well-being and future secured.” Herrera said. 

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