ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the plurality of personal status laws and how Muslim Filipinos restore and utilize (or do not utilize) the complex legal pluralism in the predominantly Christian Philippines. The first section “Historical Foundations of the Plurality of Personal Status Laws” explores the historical foundation of Sultanate Codes and their customary implementation in Muslim personal status. The second section of “Constitutional and International Norms Concerning Personal Status Laws and Equality” analyses how Muslim Filipinos restore Muslim jurisprudence within the modern constitutional framework and develop their Muslim personal status amidst complex legal pluralism. Due to a liberal constitution, a socio-political controversial issue, such as child marriage, may face a national and international debate. Additionally, its implementation is hindered by underequipped Shari’a courts, weak law enforcement, the combination of personal status laws and criminal laws in some cases, and a complex society affected by a Muslim secessionist conflict in the section of B.3-7. To improve operations vigorously, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the strengthened role of Shari’a courts as part of its Strategic Plan. Restoring Muslimness in the Philippines’ legal pluralism continues the journey.
