I'm an 18 year old girl in Philippines studying in a college.
My father wanted me to marry to someone and already arranged it without even asking me. But I don't want to marry.
I'm 18 now, can law help me in any way? Am I independent to marry at my own will?
The legal solution is very simple. Under Philippine law (Title 1, Marriage, Article 2)
No marriage shall be valid, unless these essential requisites are present:
(1) Legal capacity of the contracting parties who must be a male and a female; and
(2) Consent freely given in the presence of the solemnizing officer.
If you do not consent to the marriage during the ceremony, that is the end of the matter, you are not married.
You can also refuse to apply for a license under article 11 (which requires your sworn application – refuse to swear). If your are threatened with violence, you can report this threat to the police, since not even your father is allowed to threaten to assault or kill you.
