Legal jargon can be intimidating, but what if you had a friendly conversation to break it all down?
The Baguio Chronicle is thrilled to announce the recent launch of its brand new podcast, “The Law Will Get You Through,” hosted by Atty. Emily Balungay and the ever-relatable Manang Lucy.
This podcast airs every third Saturday of the month at 9pm, tackling real-life legal issues faced by our community, with a focus on making the law easier to understand. Whether you’re navigating tricky family dynamics, worried about contracts, or simply curious about how the law affects you, this podcast has something for everyone.
In the first episode, the hosts dive deep into the legal framework of marriage in the Philippines—an issue that touches the lives of so many in our community. If you’ve ever wondered what makes marriage legally binding or how you can dissolve it, this episode clarifies the complexities.
Marriage as a special kind of contract
Unlike any other contract, a marriage is one that the law treats differently.
As Atty. Emily explained in the episode, “You can’t just walk away from a marriage like you would with an expired lease or a business deal gone wrong.” Marriage is what the law refers to as a special contract, and it’s governed by the Family Code and the Philippine Constitution—not by what you or your partner want. Unlike regular contracts, where terms can be negotiated, marriage rules are set in stone by law.
You can’t simply agree with your spouse to call it quits. “Even if both partners agree to separate and have a written agreement,” Atty. Emily shared, “it’s not legally valid unless a court declares the marriage annulled or nullified.”
This is where many couples get confused—thinking that a handshake or a signed document between the two of them is enough to end their marriage. It isn’t.
Common reasons why marriages fail
Marriage can be a rocky road, and Atty. Emily and Manang Lucy touched on common pitfalls that lead to marriage breakdowns. From unresolved personal differences to the entry of a third party into the relationship, there are plenty of factors that can contribute to marital issues.
“Sometimes, it’s the little things that can drive a wedge between spouses,” Atty. Emily noted, explaining that those seemingly minor differences can snowball into deeper misunderstandings. And while infidelity often steals the spotlight in discussions of broken marriages, unresolved conflicts and emotional disconnection also play significant roles.
The podcast emphasized that even in cases of legal separation, couples remain married in the eyes of the law. Legal separation may allow spouses to live separately, but neither can remarry unless they go through a court process for annulment or nullity.
The impact of a broken marriage on children
One of the most heart-wrenching consequences of broken marriages is the effect on the children. As the hosts discussed, the legal status of children becomes complicated, especially if they are born from relationships outside of wedlock.
Children from annulled marriages or relationships with third parties may be considered illegitimate depending on specific circumstances, adding another layer of difficulty for families already struggling with separation.
For those in marriages dealing with these legal complexities, the podcast provides much-needed clarity, serving as both a guide and a support system for listeners.
While the Philippines currently doesn’t allow divorce, the hosts hinted at an exciting future discussion about whether divorces obtained abroad are recognized here. Atty. Emily promises that more light will be shed on this hot topic in upcoming episodes.
Have legal questions? Send them in!
Do you have questions about your marriage, family matters, or any other legal concern? You’re in luck! The podcast encourages listeners to send in their questions.
Atty. Emily and Manang Lucy will answer them in future episodes.
So, mark your calendars for every third Saturday of the month at 9pm, and tune in to “The Law Will Get You Through” on Baguio Chronicle’s Facebook page for straightforward legal advice, insights, and relatable conversations.
Whether you’re dealing with marriage complications or simply curious about how the law affects everyday life, this podcast is your go-to guide.
