There’s a piece of news blowing in the wind that cheating with partner, whether married or not, will now be punishable by 30 days to two years in jail.
It adds further that the “new law” , called Anti-Cheating Law or Republic Act 412019, was approved by Malacañang today.
It’s indeed April Fool’s day.
In the Facebook page of an online magazine, it got people talking.
“All kabets [mistresses] left the group,” said one user.
“Higad left the group char,” said another.
One netizen also said: “Ubos ang tao sa Pilipinas [emoticon]. Ngayon pa lang dapat pagawa na ng madaming kulungan. #AprilFools”
While many people are giving their nods and shares, there are also some netizens who didn’t quite like the post.
“That’s not a good joke… There are people who have been gravely abused by partners in such a way hoping for even a glimmer & you think making fun of their pain is a good way to celebrate fools. Sensitivity & humanity lost in the genius who thought of this. [emoticon].”
The law that punishes a married man in the Philippines is Article 334 of the Revised Penal Code, when the husband commits any of the following acts:
1. He shall keep a mistress in the conjugal dwelling;
2. He shall have sexual intercourse under scandalous circumstances with a woman other than his wife; or
3. He shall cohabit with his mistress in any other place.
The mistress shall likewise be held criminally liable if she commits the aforementioned acts knowing fully well that the man is married.
Concubinage is punishable by imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 4 years and 2 months.
The mistress is merely imposed a punishment of destierro.
According to Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices: “Unfaithfulness is also punishable under Republic Act No. RA 9262 , otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Law (“VAWC Law”). Repeated marital infidelity is considered as psychological violence which is punishable with a stiffer imprisonment of 6 years and 1 day to 12 years.”
Photo: Shutterstock
