Question Answered: What Legal Process Can An OFW Do If She Finds Out That Her Husband Of 23 Years Is Already Married 5 Years Before They Tied The Knot?

A free legal advice was provided by the members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Cebu City to assist those Overseas Filipino Workers in their concerns, mostly regarding their marital problems.

Chapter President Jose Glenn Capanas and Mark Anthony Gaviola answered several questions of Overseas Filipino Workers during their event “Idulog Mo Kay Atorni 7” which was held at the Philippine Consulate General (PCG).

One of the complainants shared her problem regarding her husband who was actually married 5 years before they tied the knot. What’s worst is that they’ve been together for23 years before she discovered the truth.

“Ikinasal po kami nung 1995 but I found out that my husband, may first marriage siya which is 1990. I have a copy of their marriage certificate,” said the OFW. “Gusto ko ibalik singleness ko.Gusto ko i-clear yung pagiging single talaga ako,” she added.

Attorney Gaviola said that the problem can be solved easily because ever since the marriage is clearly bigamous. To fully return to being single, the OFW, who works as a domestic helper, can go to the Philippine courts to nullify their marriage.

Another OFW also shared her problem regarding her husband who has another woman. He is also not supporting their children.

“Meron siyang babae. Forgiven nathree times pero nung nandito na ako, parang ganun pa rin. Nagbibigay lang siyang P3,000 kung gusto niya,” the OFW said. “And then itong dalawang magkasunodna sweldo, wala siyang binibigay. E alam niya yung bunso namin nagma-maintainng lifetime na gamot sa tenga at sa dugo dahil pareho kaming anemic,” she said.

As for the solution, the OFW can file a petition against her husband under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children law.