Below is an overview of the Philippine legal framework governing the requirement of “parental advice” for individuals intending to marry at (or between the ages of 21 and 25), under the Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209), as well as related considerations and practical implications.

1. Legal Foundation: The Family Code of the Philippines

The primary source of law for marriage requirements in the Philippines is the Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209, as amended). Specifically, Articles 14 to 18 cover the legal requisites concerning the roles of parents (or guardians) in the marriage of their children at various age brackets.

Under Philippine law:

Ages 18 to 21: Parental consent is required.
Ages 21 to 25: Parental advice is required.
Age 25 and above: Generally, no parental consent or advice is needed.

However, the Family Code imposes special rules for individuals who are at least 21 but below 25 years of age, requiring them to seek “parental advice.” Even when the party has turned 25 on or before the application for a marriage license, it is useful to understand the entire legal landscape around age brackets 21 to 25, especially if there is any overlap or if someone turned 25 during the process.

2. “Parental Advice” vs. “Parental Consent”

It is crucial to distinguish between “parental advice” (for those between 21 and 25) and “parental consent” (for those between 18 and 21):

Parental Consent (18 to 21 years old)
- Required to be in writing.
- Must be submitted to the Local Civil Registrar before a marriage license can be issued.
- The absence of valid parental consent can affect the validity of the marriage.
Parental Advice (21 to 25 years old)
- The law obliges the party to ask for the advice (in writing) of their parents or guardian regarding the intended marriage.
- This “advice” is not the same as “consent”: the parents cannot legally prohibit the marriage simply by withholding advice or offering “unfavorable” advice; however, the law imposes certain procedural consequences if parental advice is withheld or is unfavorable.

3. The Requirement for Parental Advice (Ages 21 to 25)

A. Obligation to Seek Advice

Article 15 & 17 of the Family Code specify that any person between 21 and 25 years old, planning to get married, “shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage.”
The request for advice should be in writing, typically integrated into or attached to the application for a marriage license.

B. Proof of Compliance

Article 18 of the Family Code states that the written advice of the parent(s) or guardian must be attached to the marriage license application.
If the parents or guardian refuse to give or sign any advice, or fail to respond, the fact of such refusal or lack of response must be stated in the marriage license application.
The Local Civil Registrar will then note whether the advice was given, withheld, or refused.

C. Effect of Unfavorable or Withheld Parental Advice

If the advice is unfavorable (meaning the parents or guardian advise against the marriage) or is not obtained at all, the law imposes a three-month waiting period from the date the marriage application has been published or posted (as required by law).
After this three-month period, the marriage license can still be issued regardless of the parents’ stance, provided all other requirements are met.
This differs from parental “consent” (for those 18-21), where the absence of consent can render the marriage voidable. For parties 21-25, the marriage remains valid if celebrated after the relevant procedures—even if the parents do not favor the union.

4. Specifics When the Party is Exactly 25 Years Old

On or Before the 25th Birthday:
If the applicant is below 25 on the date of applying for a marriage license, parental advice must be obtained or at least sought and recorded.
Upon Turning 25:
If an applicant has turned 25 before actually filing for the marriage license, they generally will not be required to comply with the parental advice provision. However, some local civil registrars may still ask for a clarification, especially if documents were in process while the applicant was 24.
Practical Implications:
In actual practice, local civil registrars sometimes require documentary proof of the applicant’s birth date to confirm whether the applicant was indeed below 25 at the time of submission of the application. If the applicant is already 25, then the parental advice requirement is typically considered moot.

5. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Delay in Issuance of Marriage License
- Failure to secure or properly document the parental advice (if required) can result in the Local Civil Registrar refusing to issue the marriage license until either:
  - The three-month publication/posting period has elapsed (if the advice is withheld or unfavorable), or
  - The applicant reaches 25 (if time practically passes), or
  - The required documents are otherwise rectified.
No Direct Effect on Marriage Validity (for Ages 21-25)
- The lack of parental advice does not invalidate the marriage. Instead, it triggers the waiting period. This is in contrast to parental consent (applicable to those 18-21), where a lack of valid consent may render the marriage voidable.

6. Practical Tips and Observations

Clear Written Documentation
- Always document the request for parental advice and the response (or refusal) in writing to avoid confusion at the Local Civil Registrar’s office.
Timing
- If you are close to your 25th birthday, consider whether it might be simpler to file for the marriage license after turning 25 to avoid additional paperwork.
Local Variations
- Implementation can differ slightly among different Local Civil Registrar offices. Always check the specific municipal or city hall requirements to ensure proper compliance.
Legal Assistance
- In cases of complicated family situations—where parents or guardians cannot be located or are unresponsive—consulting a lawyer can clarify the procedure for formally indicating a refusal or no response in the application.

7. Summary

Age Bracket: Individuals aged 21 to 25 are required by Philippine law to seek parental advice before a marriage license is issued.
Legal Basis: Primarily governed by Articles 14 to 18 of the Family Code of the Philippines.
Nature of Advice: Unlike parental “consent” for those aged 18-21, the law does not give parents an absolute veto; the marriage can still proceed despite unfavorable or no advice, subject to a three-month waiting period.
Documentation: The party seeking to marry must note in writing the result of their request (favorable, unfavorable, or no response) in the marriage license application.
Practical Effect: Failure to comply may delay—but does not necessarily prevent—the issuance of the marriage license or the validity of the marriage.

Overall, while the parental advice requirement for those under 25 is mandatory under Philippine law, it has a less stringent effect on the marriage’s validity compared to parental consent requirements for those between 18 and 21. Still, it is crucial to follow the procedural steps—especially securing (or attempting to secure) written advice and noting it in the marriage license application—to avoid processing delays and to comply fully with the legal requisites.