The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition with finality for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Philippines.
The court rejected the motion for reconsideration and said it had “no substantial arguments” that could have warranted reversal of the original decision.
In 2015, a lawyer and “an open and self-identified homosexual” Jesus Nicardo Falcis III of the High Court questioned the provisions of the Family Code, limiting same-sex marriage.
In September, magistrates saw Falcis’s petition as “deficient” and said he had lost legal standing and violated the principle of the hierarchy of courts. He also failed to “raise an actual, justiciable controversy.”
According to them, Falcis did not apply for a marriage license; therefore, he was not denied a license. That is, he did not experience direct injury from the limitations of the Family Code.
In the 109-page jointly cited by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, he said the Constitution does not explain or restrict marriage because of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
But the high court said it would be best to leave same-sex relations issued on the Congress.
Also read: Duterte in favour of same-sex civil unions, but not gay marriage
SC orders same-sex marriage in the Philippines denied with finality
Meanwhile, Jesus is Lord founder and House Deputy Speaker Bro. Eddie Villanueva praised the decision of the Supreme Court.
“The Family Code was crafted to mirror the historical, traditional and religious values of Filipinos on marriage. Marriage, as an inviolable social institution in Filipino life, has always been conceived between a man and a woman. Hence, to nullify such law, which bears our values on marriage, is tantamount to denying our identity as a people and betraying our deep-held morals. It is not only against God, but it is also against ourselves as a people,” said Villanueva, who is also the CIBAC Representative.
“The Supreme Court decision is a welcome development to us. It reaffirms our belief that we are in the right path when we stand to defend that marriage is just and must be confined between man and woman. It is not only the divine will of God, it is also the standing spirit and will of the laws of our land,” he added.