What is RA 9858 all about?
Asked by: Mrs. Carolyn Cronin | Last update: June 24, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (39 votes)
Republic Act No. 9858 (RA 9858) is a Philippine law enacted on December 20, 2009, that allows children born to minor parents (parents below 18 at the time of conception) to be legitimated if the parents subsequently marry. It amends Article 177 of the Family Code of the Philippines, granting these children the same rights and privileges as those born within a valid marriage.
What is RA 9858 also known as?
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE LEGITIMATION OF CHILDREN BORN TO PARENTS BELOW MARRYING AGE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS AMENDED.
Does a second wife have rights to property in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, a “second wife” has full property and inheritance rights only if she is a legal spouse in a valid marriage.
Is a child illegitimate if parents are not married?
Historically, a child born to unmarried parents was considered "illegitimate," but modern law has largely moved away from this term, often referring to them as non-marital children. While legal paternity must often be formally established to secure rights, children born out of wedlock generally have the same legal rights, including inheritance, as children born to married parents.
At what age do Filipinos get married?
The legal age to get married in the Philippines is 18 years old. Under Republic Act No. 11596 (passed in 2022), any marriage involving a person under 18 is void from the beginning and illegal, with strict penalties for facilitating such marriages.
BEST VLOG EVER. VIRAL.Child Status: Legitimated, How?
What makes a marriage void?
A marriage is void (or void ab initio) when it is considered legally invalid from its inception, acting as if it never existed, usually due to major legal impediments. Primary causes include bigamy (one party is already married), incestuous relationships, and sometimes severe lack of capacity, such as being underage or mentally incompetent.
How many years of marriage can be annulled?
Annulment differs from divorce in that once a divorce is awarded, the marriage is dissolved. Typically, there is no time period following the marriage by which the annulment must be sought. This means it may be possible to get an annulment even after 10 years of marriage.
When a husband dies, what is the wife entitled to in the Philippines?
A surviving wife inherits her husbands estate with her children. If a husband dies, the person who gets the property is the surviving spouse as well as any children of the deceased. A wife is a legal heir of her husband. Any child of the deceased husband is also a legal heir.
Can you live on $500 a month in the Philippines?
Yes, it is possible to live on $500 a month (roughly PHP 28,000–29,000 as of early 2026) in the Philippines, but it requires a very frugal, local-style lifestyle, usually in rural areas, and is generally not recommended for a comfortable expat life. This budget covers basic necessities but offers limited room for entertainment, travel, or unexpected expenses.
Can I sue my live-in partner for cheating in the Philippines?
Civil Liability. However, while there is no criminal liability for infidelity in a live-in partnership, it may still be possible to file a civil case for damages under Article 19, 20, and 21 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.
Does illegitimate child benefit from will in the Philippines?
Yes, illegitimate children are considered compulsory heirs. They are entitled to a portion of the estate called the legitime.
How do you prove a parent is manipulating a child?
Start documenting what's happening. Keep records of things your child says that seem influenced, or any communication from the other parent that seems controlling or dishonest. Save text messages, emails, or voicemails that show a pattern of manipulation.
Can a mother stop a father from seeing his son?
A father has the same rights as a mother and contact cannot be legally stopped unless there are concerns that further contact could affect the welfare of a child.
Who pays for a Filipino wedding?
Traditionally, the groom and his family pay for the wedding in Filipino culture, often seen as a way to prove his capability to provide for the new family. However, modern weddings frequently involve the couple paying for it themselves or splitting costs 50/50 with both sets of parents.
What country has the lowest age of consent for marriage?
As of early 2026, Iraq has emerged as a country with one of the lowest legal marriage ages, with recent legal changes allowing girls as young as 9 to marry in certain circumstances, while the legal age for boys is 15. Several other nations, particularly under religious or customary laws, allow for marriage under 15, while in some countries like Iran, girls can be married at 13 (or younger with permission).
How can an American marry a Filipina in the Philippines?
To marry a Filipina in the Philippines as a U.S. citizen, you must obtain an Affidavit in Lieu of a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage, apply for a marriage license (requiring a 10-day waiting period), and have a authorized officiant perform the ceremony. Key documents include a passport, birth certificate, and divorce/death certificates from previous marriages.
Can sexless marriage be grounds for divorce?
Yes, a sexless marriage can be grounds for divorce, particularly in states with "no-fault" laws, where incompatibility or irretrievable breakdown is sufficient. While not often a specific legal "fault" ground, it may constitute [constructive abandonment] or [constructive desertion] if one partner willfully withholds intimacy, which can be cited in divorce proceedings.
What is the #1 thing that destroys marriages?
According to experts like Dr. John Gottman and various divorce mediators, the #1 thing that destroys marriages is a breakdown in communication, often manifesting as contempt, criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling. While infidelity and financial issues are serious, it is the chronic lack of trust, emotional disconnection, and toxic interaction patterns that most frequently erode a marriage over time.
Which is stronger, divorce or annulment?
There are two main ways to formally end a marriage: annulment and divorce. An annulment declares that a marriage was never valid, while a divorce legally concludes a valid marriage. Annulments require a specific set of circumstances and evidence to be granted while a divorce is easier to attain.