Eddie Villanueva welcomes SC decision denying same-sex marriage petition with finality

Evangelist and now CIBAC party-list Representative Eddie Villanueva welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to deny with finality the petition seeking the legalization of same-sex marriages in the Philippines.

In a statement issued late Monday night, Villanueva said the Supreme Court ruling "reaffirms our belief that we are in the right path when we stand to defend that marriage is just and must be confined between man and woman."

"It is not only the divine will of God, it is also the standing spirit and will of the laws of our land,” he added.

In its decision, the Supreme Court said the motion for reconsideration appealing initial dismissal of the petition presented "no substantial arguments" that would warrant a reversal.

Petitioner Jesus Nicardo Falcis III, an openly gay lawyer, had asked the court to strike down as unconstitutional the provisions in the Family Code that limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman.

But Villanueva pointed out that the Family Code was crafted to reflect the historical, traditional and religious values of Filipinos on marriage.

"Marriage, as an inviolable social institution in Filipino life, has always been conceived between a man and a woman," he said.

"Hence, to nullify such law which bears our values on marriage is tantamount to denying our identity as a people and betraying our deep-held morals. It is not only against God, it is also against ourselves as a people,” he added.

Villanueva, founder of the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW), said that while the Supreme Court believes that the issue on same-sex marriage is better resolved in Congress, the tribunal's decision should warn all lawmakers that altering the current order where marriage is between a man and a woman is not only legally problematic but also "absolutely unnecessary" and a "waste of time."

"The confusion, disorder and disarray that might be created by altering the man-woman order on marriage will far outweigh any iota of advancement, if there’s any, promised by those wishing to change it,” he said.

Apart from same-sex marriage, Villanueva has also openly opposed the SOGIE Equality Bill, especially after many have called for its passage following the discrimination incident against trans woman Gretchen Custodio Diez. —KBK, GMA News