SC sets oral debates on petition to pave way for same-sex marriages

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has set oral debates on a petition that seeks to pave the way for same-sex marriage in the Philippines.

After almost three years, the petition filed by lawyer Jesus Nicolas Falcis III assailing provisions of the Family Code banning same-sex marriage has gained traction at the high court.

SC spokesperson Theodore Te said that "the Court set the case for oral arguments on June 19, 2:00 in the afternoon."

"The petition is one for certiorari and prohibition challenging certain provisions of the Family Code on marriage where they impact on 'same-sex' marriages," Te added.

Falcis, on May 2015 filed a petition for certiorari and asked the SC to declare as unconstitutional Articles 1 and 2 of Family Code, which limit marriage to unions between a man and a woman.

Article 1 provides: "Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life."

Article 2, meanwhile, states: "No marriage shall be valid, unless these eseential requisites are present: Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must be a male and a female."

Falcis, who identified himself in the petition as gay, argued that limiting marriage to heterosexual couples is a violation of the rights to due process and equal protection.

The Family Code was issued as Executive Order 209 in 1987 by President Corazon Aquino.