Question

In a quaint province in the Philippines, Juan and Maria have been in a loving relationship for several years. Their families are supportive of their union and they have decided to get married. One day, they went to the municipal office to inquire about the process of getting married and the requirements needed for their marriage to be valid. As a knowledgeable legal assistant, you are tasked to answer their questions based on the essential and formal requisites of marriage under the Family Code of the Philippines.

1. What are the essential requisites of a valid marriage under the Family Code? Discuss each requisite and provide the corresponding provisions under the Family Code.
2. What are the formal requisites of a valid marriage under the Family Code? Discuss each requisite and provide the corresponding provisions under the Family Code.
3. If Juan and Maria decide to have a civil wedding ceremony, what are the steps they need to follow in order to comply with the formal requisites of marriage? Discuss the process and requirements under the Family Code.
4. Can Juan and Maria get married in a religious ceremony without going through a civil wedding first? Discuss the validity of a religious marriage ceremony without compliance with the formal requisites under the Family Code.
5. Can a person below 18 years old enter into a valid marriage? Discuss the circumstances and requirements for a minor to be legally allowed to get married under the Family Code.