The Family Code of the Philippines — one of the most important pieces of legislation as it protects the rights of the most critical societal unit: the family — was tested in the latest episode of “Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda” at GMA 7.
During the June 18 episode, Senators Alan Peter “Compañero” Cayetano and Pia Cayetano helped a troubled couple figure out if an annulment was the only way they can address the broken trust between them.
Marwen approached CIA with BA to ask if it were possible for him to ask for the dissolution of his marriage to Everlyn. He wanted to have a child, and he seemingly found it with her when he met her at a bar.
However, Everlyn lied about this capability: she had had her fallopian tube fixed so she won’t have another child. She also lied about getting pregnant, and Marwen moved to Pampanga to better support his family.
When he found out his wife cannot conceive, he was understandably enraged. He beat Everlyn multiple times and even had an affair with one of her friends.
Senator Alan told Marwen that his request is not possible under Articles 45 and 46 of the Family Code as there are only a limited number of valid grounds for annulment. Any fraudulent action regarding behavior, financial status, health, and chastity will not be grounds for an annulment, he added.
“Panloloko pa rin siya, makakaapekto pa rin to sa relationship, but it’s not a ground para i-annul, [ipa]-walang bisa ang kasal,” he said.
Senator Pia pointed out that legal separation is a possible avenue but they will still remain married to each other. However, if they can prove that one spouse is psychologically incapable of performing his/her essential marital obligations or duties, they can have their marriage voided by reason of psychological incapacity.
She also called out Marwen for his history of domestic violence.
“Naiintindihan ko bilang isang tao, isang nanay na na-excite din na magka-anak, naintindihan ko y’ung sama ng loob mo. Pero y’ung pambubugbog na ginawa mo, it’s unacceptable, hindi siya katanggap-tanggap,” she said.
However, Senator Alan opened the possibility of reconciliation for the two. Both he and Senator Pia saw that Marwen and Everlyn still care for each other and should seriously consider going to counseling.
He also said forgiveness should not just be about saying sorry for their actions but promising to change for the better.
“Tatanggapin mo y’ung sorry niya, pero sasabihin niya, never na siya magsisinungaling sa iyo. Tatanggapin niya sa’yo, pero mag-promise ka na kahit anong mangyari, lalabas ka na lang, umalis ka na lang muna. Pero huwag ka nang mananakit,” he said.
Senator Alan said he also believes the two can still find a happy ending even if it is not one Marwen had wanted.
“Y’ung unang ending na gusto mo, nabuntis siya, nagkaanak, happily ever after, hindi na nangyari y’un. Pero y’ung happily ever after, nandoon pa y’un. Hindi ibig sabihin na you cannot live happily ever after,” he told Marwen.
“Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda” is a public service show that strives to continue the work started by the senator-siblings’ late father, Senator Rene “Compañero” Cayetano who had his own show, “Compañero Y Compañera.”
It airs every Sunday, 11:30 PM on GMA 7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 PM.
Senator Alan, Senator Pia, Tito Boy, and the rest of the CIA with BA team would also like to thank the public for the increased viewership and support for the program. The show, they said, will continue to strive to provide the best quality of public service to the Filipino people.
