By Rinoa Kate dela Cruz

PHOTO: IStock

In the Philippines, there are “unspoken” social rules or norms that are believed to create and maintain peace. However, given the idea that the policies are embedded with cultural ideologies, constitutions may include some “weird” or “unusual” policies that are still living up until now. Here are 5 wackiest laws that are existing in the Philippines:

1. Adults at ages 21-25 years old are required to ask for advice before getting married



Based on Article 15 of the Family Code, adults (21-25 years old) are still required to ask for advice before getting married and if not, a marriage license will not be issued. Since Filipinos truly embrace the importance of marital blessing, this rule is meant to give the parents a chance to change their opposing mind and decide if they agree to the marriage or not.

2. Any forms of stealing within the family is allowed

“Blood is thicker than water,” is very visible in the Philippine culture to the point that there are laws that excuse the members of the household from stealing. Article 332 of the Revised Penal Code tells that people excluded from criminal obligation in case of the wrongdoings of robbery, cheating, or noxious wickedness are as follows:

- The life partners or family members by an affinity for a similar line.
- The company regarding the property which had a place with the perished mate and;
- Siblings by marriage or by birth

That is why the relatives can cheat or steal from each other without having to be imprisoned because they believe that it maintains solidarity and harmony.

3. Annoying people can be jailed

Have you ever experienced your temper shortening? Is it because of the constant teasing, yapping or simply talking? Well, good news! Annoying people can be charged for being annoying. Believe us when we say that the local rapper/actor Frank Magalona has been charged by this.

Article 287 in the Revised Penal Code says that, “Any coercions or unreasonable vexations will be punished with a minor arrest or a fine ranging from 5 to 200 pesos,” That is why on 2018, a woman who is working as a host in an unnamed bar filed a report because Magalona pinched one of the lady’s butt cheeks

4. Being “topless” is a crime in San Juan

With the country that is experiencing hot temperatures from time-to-time, Filipinos would always try their best to ease the heat by being topless. Unfortunately, in the city of San Juan, being topless would result in charges



Former city Mayor Guia Gomez passed the ordinance which clearly states that: “No person shall move about (i.e. walk, jog, run or the like) in public places and outside his public residence half-naked or wearing clothing covering only the lowermost portion of the body without any top apparel,” in order for San Juan to be a model of orderliness, propriety, and decency.

5. Third-parties can be “legally killed”

Murder can be technically “legal,” which is a very ironic policy since there are a lot of laws that talks about killings and human rights. However, under Article 247 of the Revised Penal Code, those who are legally married can murder if the spouse is doing sexual intercourse with another person. He/She can then kill the both of them and will only be punished by destierro or banishment.

The Philippines is indeed a country that embraces tradition as seen from the culturally embedded laws and policies. Some individuals may think of it as funny and unnecessary but these regulations are also a look from yesterday, one of the living proofs of history, and a reminder that Filipino culture is still alive and preserved in the country.