POMS Reference

GN 00307: Foreign Evidence

TN 31 (08-05)

A. Policy

An SSA-2-F6 supported by the NH's statement on an SSA-1, SSA-16-F6 or an SSA-3 is not sufficient evidence of a ceremonial marriage for claimants residing in the Philippines. Primary or secondary evidence must be secured which meets the requirements in GN 00305.020-GN 00305.025.

B. Kinds of Factors Affecting Validity of A Marriage

The following are some, but not all, of the factors which can effect the validity of a marriage in the Philippines:

  • Close relationship of the parties (whether legitimate, illegitimate, adoptive or step);

  • Ages of the parties (see GN 00307.768C.);

  • Prior undissolved marriage where one spouse is missing and
    believed dead.

C. List of Minimum Marriage Ages

The following shows the minimum ages for marriage in the Philippines.

Period

Parental
Consent

   Minimum Age
Male        Female

Underage Marriage Void or Voidable

 

8/30/50 to

With

16

   14

Void

present

Without

20

   18

Voidable

6/5/30-

With

16

   14

Void

8/29/50

Without

20

   18

Unknown

12/18/1899-

With

14

   12

Valid

6/4/30

Without

21

   21

Voidable