Freddie Aguilar converts to Muslim, marries teener amid solon’s warning

BULUAN, Maguindanao (PinoyNews) – After converting to Muslim, singing icon Freddie Aguilar has married his 16-year-old girlfriend in Islamic rites in Buluan, Maguindanao.
It was reported that the 60-year-old Aguilar of Isabela and his partner from Oriental Mindoro performed rituals in traditional Muslim weddings.
Aguilar reportedly converted to Islam six months ago and adopted the Muslim name Abdul Farid. His girlfriend, for her part, adopted the name Sittie Mariam.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu confirmed the Muslim wedding ceremonies as he acted as one of the sponsors.
As this development, a Muslim congressman from Basilan  warned the “Anak” hitmaker that his conversion to the Islamic faith should be sincere and not just a means to marry his 16-year-old girlfriend.
Under the Philippine laws, Aguilar is barred from marrying his young girlfriend in civil and church rites which allow only couples who are 18 years old and above to be married.

Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman said while he could not see any violation from the Shari’a law, the Aquilar’s conversion should not be for convienience.
“I am not really aware of any legal impediment in relation to Shari’a law. I am just hoping that the conversion is not for convenience,” the Basilan lawmaker said.
The congressman added: “ I don’t think it’s morally right to shift from one religion to another just for the purpose of marriage. And it’s an insulting to both Muslim and Christian believers if that is the case.”
Another congressman, Rep. Rodel Batocabe, a lawyer, said it would be hard to know the real intentions of Aquilar in shifting to the Islamic Faith.
“As to propriety or morality of such marriage, who are we to judge. That’s none of our business, as the Bible said ‘he who has not sinned should cast the first stone,’” said Batocabe who represents AKOBicol party list.
“As a Muslim, Freddie Aguilar’s personal laws are already governed by Shari’a law which is also recognized by Philippine law. If it’s legal under Shari’a law, then their marriage is valid,” Batocabe added.
Interviewed by ABS-CBN,  Mangudadatu explained that under Islamic practices, a couple can marry as soon as the woman has her first menstruation.
Presidential Decree No. 1083, which recognizes the system of Filipino Muslim laws, provides that “any Muslim male at least 15 years of age and any Muslim female of the age of puberty or upwards and not suffering from any impediment under the provisions of this Code may contract marriage.”
The provision further reads: “A female is presumed to have attained puberty upon reaching the age of fifteen,” the governor said.
Aguilar was criticized about revealing his ties with the teener in the social media.
The relationship prompted the Department of Social Welfare Development to look into the case. A lawyer, on the other hand, filed a case of qualified seduction against the singer and the case is pending before the Quezon Ctiy Trial Court.
The singer defended his ties with his young girlfriend, saying they have the blessing of the girl’s parents.
A daughter of Aguilar also defended his father, pointing out that he separated from his third wife some 10 years ago.
Aguilar has six children from different relationships with the youngest being 24 years old.
Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan stressed the romance enjoys mutual consent from the two and has been even blessed by the teenager’s parents.
“We have no problem with that. No law was violated, there is no abuse, she was not forced and her parents have given their consent. It is a relationship of mutual consent. Malaki lang ang age gap,” Ilagan said.
Youth Against Corruption and Poverty partylist Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez said “even if it doesn’t ring well in the ears to many, it is a juicy topic for moral discussion. It is really their private affair.”