Mere allegation

A LAW EACH DAY [Keeps Trouble Away]

- JOSE C. SISON

Is a Muslim convert who got married twice not liable for bigamy because of his religion? This is the issue answered in this case of Neil.

On April 6, 1999 Neil got married to Susan, whom he met in Saudi Arabia while she was working there as a staff midwife in a naval base hospital. They got married at a Christian church in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. In their marriage contract, it is indicated that Neil was a "Catholic Pentecostal." After their marriage, the couple returned to Saudi Arabia where Susan continued working as staff midwife. Not long after, however, Neil left her in Saudi and came back to the Philippines.

Back here in the Philippines, Neil happened to meet once more his childhood friend and neighbor, Tina. That meeting eventually turned into romance until the two got married on Dec. 8, 2001 at a restaurant in Quezon City. In their marriage certificate it is indicated that Neil was a Catholic and that he was still single. After their marriage, however, Tina learned that Neil was a Muslim convert way back in 1992, so they also got married in Muslim rites.