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Why Jordan’s Repatriation of Non-Marital PH Kids is Worth Celebrating

by Kevyn Gohu
October 11, 2023

Repatriation is a big legal undertaking for these non-marital PH kids as it allows them access to more mandated services.

Repatriation — the act of sending someone to their home country. For many of these PH kids, their return to the Philippines may promise a better life for them. Because of Jordan’s cultural stance towards non-marital affairs, children from these affairs don’t have anyone to protect them or place to stay. With around 60 kids born from non-marital affairs, the Philippine embassy in Jordan has negotiated for their return to the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador Jordan Wilfredo Santos offers his appreciation, adding that the negotiations took a lot of “representation and time on both sides.” “Our appreciation … extends to the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for their support to this humanitarian undertaking.”

Why Jordan's Repatriation of Non-Marital PH Kids is Worth Celebrating — Source: Wilfredo Santos Facebook

Finding a place they can safely call home

Children often get the short end of the stick when they’re born from relationships that are not consecrated by marriage. Due to this, they suffer discrimination and abuse. Some individuals see them as a “stain” on the family’s virtues and honor, reminding the parties involved of their moment of weakness.

Unfortunately, some parts of the law have not caught up with society’s evolution. While some countries entitle these children with basic human rights, others do not recognize them as humans. Jordanian law often separates these children from non-marital children when they’re born. Because of this, they often don’t have a birth certificate. This makes them vulnerable to “overstaying,” which in accordance with Jordanian law, costs PHP120.00 ($2.10) a day.

After the long negotiations, not only do these children have a chance to return home but also have their penalties waived. Their return to the Philippines perhaps may mark a new chapter in their lives; one that’s hopefully filled with a little more safety and stability which kids thrive best in. They may stay as wardens of the state for a while but, at least it’s a step forward to establishing their identities.

Hopefully, the other kids can come home and find families, too.

And if no one steps forward to claim the repatriated kids, they can find a home with couples who can’t have kids. Some couples, for various biological reasons, struggle to have children and now, they have a chance to adopt with the new streamlined adoption law. While the system prepares to receive the kids or help them find their families, their repatriation is still a win worth celebrating because these children can finally have a place they can call home.