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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider LGBTQ couple ties the knot in first-ever same-sex marriage in Isabela

LGBTQ couple ties the knot in first-ever same-sex marriage in Isabela

Published Jun 8, 2025 09:39 pm
The first-ever same-sex marriage in Isabela was held on Sunday, June 8.
LGBTQ couple Mart Andres and Engs Bravo from Barangay Nagbukel, San Isidro, Isabela were married in a resort in Barangay Santo Tomas, Alicia.
THE province of Isabela recorded its first-ever same-sex marriage on June 8. (Photo via Liezle Basa-Inigo)
THE province of Isabela recorded its first-ever same-sex marriage on June 8. (Photo via Liezle Basa-Inigo)
Andres said in a Facebook post:
“We are beyond thrilled to have you join us on our special day!
“Your presence means the world to us, and we can't wait to celebrate this joyous occasion with each and every one of you.
“As we stand together to exchange vows and begin this new chapter in our lives, we are grateful to have such wonderful people like you to share in our happiness. Your love and support have meant everything to us, and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.
“Thank you for being a part of our journey and for being here to witness our love and commitment to each other. Let's make beautiful memories together and celebrate the love that brings us all together.”
Officiating priest Pastor Macario Sangcap of the Lovewins Christian Church Philippines, who has 7,400 followers on Facebook, confirmed the union.
However, Sangcap said it is not yet legally recognized.
“Ang kasal ng mga LGBT dito sa Pilipinas ay hindi pa legal dahil hindi pa talaga legalized ang same-sex marriage dito pero hindi naman siya bawal because we are protected by freedom of religion.
(Marriage between LGBT in the Philippines is not yet legal but it is not prohibited because we are protected by freedom of religion)
“However, kahit hindi pa ito legal sa atin ay nagagamit naman ang Certificate of Holy Union sa mga bansang merong marriage equality law/domestic partnership/civil union or same-sex marriage as proof of togetherness or evidence of the relationship na magagamit ng couple upang ma-petition ang partner in life or spouse niya for spousal visa or family visa sa USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, etc.
(However, even though it is not yet legal, the Certificate of Holy Union in countries with marriage equality law/domestic partnership/civil union or same-sex marriage as proof of togetherness or evidence of the relationship can be used by the couple to petition partner in life or spouse for spousal visa or family visa in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, etc.)
“May couple na din na nagamit nila ang Certificate of Holy Union as proof of togetherness or evidence of relationship sa mga insurance company. Nagamit din sa bangko for joint account.
(Couples can also use Certificate of Holy Union as proof of togetherness or evidence of relationship when applying for insurance and joint account in banks)
“Pero hindi pa din mapapaplitan ang surname o apelyido ng isa at hindi pa marerehistro ang kasal nila sa PSA kasi wala pa tayong marriage equality law or isang batas na kikilala sa LGBTQ couple as gamily kaya hindi pa magkakaroon ng marriage certificate or marriage license.
(But they cannot yet change their surname and register their marriage before the PSA as we do not yet have a marriage equality law or law recognizing LGBTQ couple as family, thus they would not have a marriage certificate or marriage license)
The occasion went viral on social media and earned various reactions from netizens.
Netizens congratulated the couple and asked if same-sex marriage is already recognized in the Philippines.

Related Tags

LGBTQ Same-sex marriage Isabela
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