6 yrs imprisonment for wives who cheat but only 4 yrs for cheater husbands???
By rizzaspeaks
@rizzaspeaks (391)
Philippines
November 11, 2012 7:32am CST
It just came to my knowing, that, here in my country, men are given much tolerance than women- when it comes to infidelity.
I was watching news last night and I was surprised to know this. I don't know if this thing wasn't discussed in my law subjects before or that I was just unaware of it's existence.
Anyways, I am talking about the consequence of Cheating for spouses ESPECIALLY to WOMEN. If a husband is accused of concubinage, the maximum period of imprisonment is 4 years while if a woman is accused of adultery, the maximum period of staying in jail is 6 years! Well, I believe cheating is a crime in Human Law and Divine Law, but isn't it should be fair to both parties? That both should have the same consequences?
Is it because, men are polygamous by nature?
Is it just gender discrimination?
Or maybe because having more men in politics made this law less fair to women?
(By the way, this is under Revised Penal Code under Art. 333 & 334. I've done a little peak on these articles just to see if they do exist)
At the end of this subject, I came up with the simple thought: BE FAITHFUL so you won't find yourself behind the bars.
8 people like this
20 responses
@GardenGerty (160883)
• United States
11 Nov 12
Either it is gender discrimination, or just archaic thinking. At least they do not stone the woman. . . I think your last statement is best. Here in the US I think we have just decided it is going to happen and it has not been a crime here for over two hundred years. When it was a crime, again, it was the women who were punished. Think of the book "The Scarlet Letter", by Hawthorne.
1 person likes this
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
11 Nov 12
That is the brighter side of living here, women are not stoned. In some countries, the raped wives were the even accused of adultery.
This issue is uncontrollable. The government can't take total control over this, and even cheated spouses rarely give time taking this matter to courts, except to those who really feel they need to. We don't have divorce here, so I guess, this is also for the purpose of having valid grounds for legal separation.
That story, in my opinion, the helpless character is the fruit of the adultery-the child. How can an innocent soul suffer the wrong deed of two people? Same thing happens everywhere.
@mydanods (6513)
• Nigeria
12 Nov 12
no one understands these things. maybe you are right, gardengerty. most of the laws were crafted and decided upon by men, so they are wont not to look favorably on women, seeing that being in power and ready to be adulterous themselves, they'd be more lenient to folks like themselves.
i think there is nothing anyone can do if children get to suffer from the breakup of a marriage due to adultery or whatever. it is just a natural consequence. the children just have to cope with whatever they find.
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
11 Nov 12
Life is, everywhere in the world, way more tolerant to men as it is to women. Even in western countries men always have great excuses, women should feel pity for them. Men get angry if the woman has an affair (ofcourse it's never their fault) but find it normal if they have many affairs (just because they are a man). Problem is we do live in a man's world. Which is a weird thing since there are way more women in this world as men. Women are stronger, get older but still men make all the rules.
I wonder why you get in prison at all when you cheat on your partner. I think there are worser things like that, way worser. This besides of the fact there is not really a need to cheat if you can divorce. Or can't you divorce in your country as well?
1 person likes this
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
We don't have divorce here in our country. Only legal separation and annulment. Only when a cheated spouse will accuse his/her partner in court and be proven guilty under specific conditions, that he/she will be put to prison.
The gender discrimination exists everywhere, that is true. This happens because people can't accept the fact that men and women are born equal. Though women don't have the physical strength of a man, still she is stronger in many ways. Women react differently than men emotionally, physically and psychologically.
Women can carry a human inside her, man can't do that. There are plenty reasons to prove a woman's strength but man is really cautious most of the time. They don't want to be fooled so they make excuses to be tolerated.
@angelkarah050182 (4980)
• Philippines
11 Nov 12
I haven't watched that last night and I wasn't aware of the penalties either 'til I read your post now. LOL. I guess that's unfair to women. They should have the same number of years in prison when they cheat. I guess they have to revise it. It's just showing gender discrimination. Yes, women should be faithful. It's not our nature to cheat. Thanks for sharing and happy mylotting.
@angelkarah050182 (4980)
• Philippines
13 Nov 12
Maybe you're right. Most politicians are men so maybe they made it that way. If their reason is that "men are polygamous in nature" then it's unfair. We are all human beings. We should be punished equally. It has nothing to do with the gender.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
13 Nov 12
That they should be aware of before making laws that appear unfair to both both parties.
1 person likes this
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Hi angel. I wasn't aware of this too until I found it on tv. It is really unfair. There are motions passed to amend this law, let's just hope it would succeed. It is obviously gender discrimination. Maybe because the lawmakers are mostly men at the time?
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
11 Nov 12
THat law is a clear discrimination against women. We, women, have been discriminated for centuries and maybe milleniums. But it is in our hands to change that. As for placing cheaters in jail, in my country it`s not done and I think that it`s not what I`d call a crime. I had a monogamous marriage, but I have seen that this is not usual. Men and women cheat on their spouses. Once someone explained to me that while she loved her husband, her body was hers to do as she pleased with it. I agreed, but I would not hurt my husband so much for justv a small amount of pleasure.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
The reason of having this law maybe is to protect the family. But, it's not unusual if spouses cheat. In every act, there are reasons behind and so we cannot put judgment on anyone with this matter. As this is a part of our law, I guess it's just right to make it fair to both genders. Since this is considered a crime, it should be just to every one.
@marguicha (223720)
• Chile
12 Nov 12
I agree that if anything is a croime according to a country`s laws, it should be the same for everyone. Yet I have the feeling that there are many other problems that are againgst the family. One of them is violence and abuse inside the family. It is seen everywhere and it`s worse than being unfaithful, specially if you hide it.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
13 Nov 12
That is so true Marg. Such that this thing has been used by some for grounds on legal separation though I'm not sure if it's a strong and valid ground.
Violence I guess is the strongest ground for annulment. A friend of mine had a violent husband, she used this as one of the major grounds for annulment and she was granted. There are reasons behind our laws yet the lawmakers should also be aware of the reasons why such crimes/wrong deeds have been committed by the accused.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
This is definitely not good! Some other countries don't even have this law :) I say we should have divorce law as well.. oh well, marriage is a complicated thing!
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
We are protecting the so-called Family Code in our country. Such that they won't allow divorce here in the country. Another thing is, as mentioned by Anne above, the state-church thing that prohibits us to have some laws possible.
Sindelle, that is so true. Cheaters are everywhere. May it be an ordinary citizen or even the president of one's country.
@Mavic123456 (21893)
• Thailand
12 Nov 12
Gosssssssssssh.... simple, discrimination. but lessons should be learned here... just be faithful and if unhappy then leave the person first or call off the relationship before getting into another one. NO one wants to be imprisoned of such crime. hehehe
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Absolutely. You got it right. If you're not happy, then stop and find your happiness. It's always better to stop first before starting again into another relationship.
@anne25penn (3305)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
It's not gender discrimination, but rather the twisted hypocrisy of our laws. The reason why the penalty for women is higher is because there is a probability that the woman will get pregnant with her lover and will pass the financial responsibility to the husband. Our laws are out of date with the times. Rather than force couples to try to work out marriages and break the law, why not pass divorce instead? Plus, it's high time that our law makers should separate the church and the state. Because as long as they are afraid of making enemies with the church, then laws such as these will remain out of date and unfair.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
You have a point there Anne. If only we can separate the church from the state, there would be fewer conflicts and much reasonable laws would exist.
If a married man had a baby with another woman, they see it better than the woman having a child with another man. The cheated husband can never be obliged to finance the child of his wife from another man. The man is always the provider of his own child, may it be legitimate or not, as long as the child has his blood, he will have the responsibility and guilt to provide the needs.
Divorce makes them think that married couples would easily break the sacredness of matrimony. As you've said, the state-church thing.
@mods196621 (3652)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Thanks to all the information regarding this matter friend.. the truth if i never knew about this code or penal code. But i will comment also, for me it is unfair to us because most of the time men are cheaters. women are not naturally cheaters because when they love it came from their bottom heart. If women said i love you its true especially if she marry a boy she love. wish it will be fair for us.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
You are right. It is unfair. But there are now motions to amend this law, let's just be hopeful this would ended fair and just to both genders.
The lesson here is simply, be faithful to your partner so you won't face a bitter consequence of your mistake.
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
11 Nov 12
I think that is very unfair. I don't understand why men get less of time than women... I don't think that is right at all and I am very grateful for the country I live in. I don't think cheating is right, not at all but I also don't think people should go to jail for it either...There are much bigger more deserving crimes than cheating.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
There must be reasons why our old law makers her in my country ended in the existence of this law. Maybe protecting a family from being broken is one reason. But even if this is the real reason, still, the law should be equal and fair.
@bjc66bjc (6730)
• United States
12 Nov 12
WOW, I guess you are right...the bottom line is just don't
cheat...that emprisonment law seem a bit
harsh to either male or female..
Gee whiz, I just can't imagine going to jail for that..I mean
in this country USA, adultry is grounds for divorce but you
certainly not just automatically sent to the slammer...its
bizzare...
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Yes, it is harsh to both genders but not fair to both.
The only lesson is to never cheat. Cheating is considered a crime here..but only when proven guilty and so is punishable.
@ARIES1973 (11426)
• Legaspi, Philippines
12 Nov 12
Hi rizza!
Actually, I already know about this thing before but I just don't take much attention to it. Personally, I just have this thought that if you don't want to suffer the consequences, then do the right thing.
Although it might sound unfair but still the same, a crime is committed.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
That's the right and safest thing to do--never do a thing you will regret in the end.
It is unfair to innocent people who suffer the consequence of the cheaters.
@arielpaige (257)
• United States
11 Nov 12
Here in my country it is not illegal to cheat. But I believe that is serious gender discrimination. Women are viewed as less equal than men in any country, anywhere in the world. And that is ridiculous! That needs to change! Standards should be equal for both men and women. Standards, punishments, pay, responsibilities, opportunities, etc. It should all be equal!
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Exactly. Every thing on this planet should be equal to both men and women. Men have physical strength but women are stronger in many more ways-that, they don't want to accept.
@leeandrew (1225)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
That sucks and sad to hear that a man got only four years for being a cheater and a woman gets 6 for cheating. Is there any difference between a woman and a man when they cheat? I'm no cheater but its just bogs me to know that things are like that.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Gender discrimination may be one thing, maybe law-makers are mostly men. There are many reasons to assume but still, this law is unfair. It surprised me too.
@Sindelle (824)
• United States
12 Nov 12
I'm surprised there is actually a law punishable with jail time against cheating in your country. I of course do not condone cheating on your spouse but here in the states sadly it happens so often. We've even had several high ranking government officials caught cheating on their wives.
I do feel that it is sexist that a women's punishment for cheating is more severe then a mans. Both stood before god and make the same vows so the punishment should be the same. Its not like it hurts women any less then a man when their spouse cheats.
Hopefully one day this law will be modified to be more equal for men and women. It blows my mind when I hear of laws and practices such as this going on around the world.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Cheating is common here in my country as well but then punishable if the cheated spouse will prove the infidelity of the cheater. Ordinary citizens cheat, how much more with powerful figures of the society.
Law should be equal to every one. A husband and wife should understand the vows they promised before God..and most importantly should accept their partners unconditionally.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
11 Nov 12
Here in England there is no law against it for either partner, but of course the husband or wife could take the other to court and sue for divorce.
It is certainly unreasonable to have separate sentences based purely on gender. If a law exists then it should be equal for every person.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Unfortunately, we don't have divorce here in my country. So these act of infidelity can be used as grounds for legal separation. There have been motions pushed for amending this law, we are just hoping it succeed. Law must be fair all the time.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
11 Nov 12
I have just recently also learned of this through the same way as you, the news last night and I, too was surprised. So I tried thinking for a justifiable reason for this but could not really find one. At first I thought the case was such because women can become pregnant and bear a fruit of adultery, and since abortion is a crime here she would be forced to bring the child to the world as a fruit of her unfaithfulness. On the other hand, even if men cannot be pregnant, they still share the same guilt and crime if they were to impregnate a female by adultery. So, again, it is surprising. Anyway, like you said, the best thing is to remain faithful.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
That's the sad thing, the woman will bear the child and yet got the longer penalty than the man. On the other hand, the man having another woman pregnant won't be punished but will bear the guilt inside him esp. when he had children with his legal wife. The illegitimate child will somehow suffer the shame of having been born in such way.
yes, it's better to stay faithful than be sorry :)
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
11 Nov 12
Hi Rizzaspeaks,
I live in the States and I find it a crime that anyone at all should be jailed for such a thing. I am not in any way condoning cheating but it is a hard thing to actually prove unless someone walks in on the actual act or a pregnancy results. Furthermore, they are consenting adults. I just don't see the government's role in someone's marriage. It is not their business. It's way too much government control, in my opinion.
and what happens if they are not married but have a live-in girl friend??
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
11 Nov 12
Hi Sid,
This law is only applicable for married couples. If they are only live-in partners, they are exempted from this law. What you said is right, husbands will only be considered guilty of concubinage if they are caught on the scene, if they let the mistress stay in their house(w/c is hardly possible) or if caught under scandalous circumstances which I don't think is possible. If a man will have an extra-affair, he would surely make it unknown to the world. Another is, if this man had a baby with another woman, it is not punishable.
I've remember a foreign program I saw on tv, "Cheaters", in which their are actual footage of caught-in-the-act scenes.
This law mostly applies to those who can afford to pay the lawyers, the government cannot really control this matter. Guess, our government are only for the purpose of saving families from being broken rooted from spouse's infidelity. But then, they came up with a little unfair conclusion.
@suzzy3 (8341)
•
10 Jan 16
I have never heard anything so daft. In the UK we save our prisons for murderers,rapists and criminals not people unhappy in their marriage. I do agree cheating is wrong but having to go to prison is out of date for men or women. It does not surprise me at all women get the worst treatment. Men through the times think they own women.
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
11 Nov 12
definitely sad, yes there should be equality and this is not fair . I think women should fight for their rights now, may be the men are involved in making this law are more concerned about themselves.
yes they should be faithful and its the best to both the partners.
@rizzaspeaks (391)
• Philippines
12 Nov 12
Yes Prashu, some laws are really unfair sometimes. There are motions passed to amend this law, we are just hoping for the best outcome.
faithfulness is a must in every relationship.
