Lawmaker files virtual marriage bill

MANILA, Philippines  — A lawmaker has filed a measure that seeks to allow virtual marriage with the use of video, audio and data transmission devices.

Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo filed House Bill 7042 seeking to allow male and female spouses to be wed while they are in the same location but the presence of the solemnizing officer would be remote or virtual.

“Since the start of the pandemic, we are moving into new normal ways of living through use of technology. Congress and the Supreme Court have adopted videoconferencing. I suppose our law governing solemnization of marriage should also adopt to this new normal,” Salo said in an interview with “The Chiefs” on One News TV5 on Thursday night.

Salo said the essence of the marriage ceremony is the personal appearance of the parties before the solemnizing officer and their declaration that they freely and willingly take each other as husband and wife.