In the Philippines, polygamous marriages are not legally recognized under the Family Code of the Philippines. The law explicitly states that "no marriage license shall be issued to a widow or widower unless he/she presents a certificate of the death of the deceased spouse or a judicial decree of the absolute nullity of the previous marriage" (Article 349).
Polygamy, the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, is considered illegal and punishable under Philippine law. Even if a person enters into a second marriage with the consent of their first spouse, the second marriage is still considered void ab initio or void from the beginning.
However, it's essential to note that there are exceptions for certain Muslim Filipinos who are allowed to enter into polygamous marriages under specific circumstances. Muslim Filipinos are governed by Muslim Personal Laws based on Shariah law, which allows for polygamy under specific conditions.
Under Muslim Personal Laws, a Muslim man may marry up to four wives, provided that he can treat them equally and meet the conditions set forth by Islamic law. However, even in these cases, the polygamous marriages are not recognized under civil law, and the man may still face legal consequences under the Family Code if he attempts to register these marriages with civil authorities.
In the event that a person enters into a polygamous marriage in violation of Philippine law, legal consequences may arise, including possible criminal charges and sanctions. Additionally, any children born out of a polygamous union may face issues regarding their legitimacy and inheritance rights under civil law.
Overall, while polygamous marriages may be permitted under certain circumstances within specific cultural or religious contexts, they are not legally recognized under Philippine civil law. Individuals who engage in polygamy may face legal consequences, and any marriages entered into in violation of the law are considered void from the beginning. It's essential for individuals to understand the legal implications of polygamous marriages in the Philippines and to abide by the laws governing marriage in the country.