Marriage has always been an important part of Filipino culture, shaped by religious reasons and family values.
However today, more Filipinas are choosing to live with their partners – without getting married prior.
A Commission on Population and Development (CPD) study shows that many Filipino women, especially those aged 20-29, are choosing cohabitation over a traditional marriage.
Let’s take a closer look at how relationship preferences are changing:
The Shift in Relationship Preferences
In the Philippines, marriage has long been seen as a symbol of commitment and stability. Traditionally, couples are expected to marry before living together, following deeply rooted Catholic beliefs and family expectations.
However, shifting social norms, financial independence, and better career opportunities are influencing how Filipinas approach relationships today.
The growing trend of live-in relationships among Filipinas.
As global ideas spread through social media, younger generations are more accepting of live-in arrangements.
Some couples choose to live together to test compatibility, while others avoid marriage to avoid the costs and responsibilities that come with it.
This shift is also driven by changing views and growing financial independence among women, allowing them to make relationship choices based on personal preferences rather than social expectations or the need to survive.
Financial Independence Through Online Jobs
Today, women no longer have to choose between building a career and a family.
Sustainable career growth, especially through an online job, has given Filipinas greater financial independence.
Many no longer rely on marriage for stability, and remote work offers the freedom to make relationship choices based on their priorities.
For those with children, remote work also provides the flexibility to balance family and career without choosing one over the other.
Changing Social Norms
Globalization and Western ideologies have made Filipinas more open to alternative lifestyles and non-traditional relationships.
This shift is seen in the growing acceptance of live-in relationships, which were once considered taboo.
As family and societal expectations change, there is a growing focus on personal freedom and fulfillment, allowing Filipinas to prioritize their own desires over traditional norms.
Avoiding Legal and Financial Complications
In the Philippines, the lack of divorce and the complicated, expensive annulment process make a lot of Filipinas hesitant to marry.
As of this writing, the annulment process in the Philippines can take 2 to 5 years and cost between ₱200,000 to ₱500,000 or more, depending on factors like court delays and the complexity of the case.
Marriage can also bring financial risks, such as having to share assets or debts if the relationship ends.
To avoid these challenges, many couples prefer live-in relationships for more flexibility and fewer possible legal and financial burdens.
Prioritizing Career Growth Over Commitment
Many Filipinas are focusing more on their careers and personal development than on traditional commitments like marriage.
Internet-based careers and remote work opportunities offer flexibility, allowing women to work, travel, and spend more time with family without being tied to a specific location.
This freedom enables them to prioritize career growth and self-development over lifelong commitments.
The Role of Remote Work in Relationship Dynamics
One key reason for changing relationship dynamics is the growing prevalence of remote work, which offers:
Web-Based Employment and Lifestyle Flexibility
Web-based employment gives Filipinas more flexibility to work from anywhere and more control over their time and finances.
This freedom lets them focus on their careers and personal goals without the financial responsibilities of marriage, like shared debts and family expenses.
In live-in arrangements, couples set their own financial terms without legal obligations.
They can split expenses as they choose and aren’t automatically responsible for each other’s debts. This setup offers more financial independence -while still allowing them to share a home.
With less pressure from traditional expectations, they can make relationship choices that fit their lifestyle and values.
Cyber Jobs Creating New Relationship Norms
Cyber jobs are reframing traditional relationships for Filipinas by giving them financial independence and thus relieving the pressure to marry.
They can now be providers and focus on their careers – while entering relationships on their own terms (or even avoid them entirely).
Remote work and freelance gigs also support a digital nomad lifestyle, making marriage or settling down less urgent (and appealing).
With more control over their future, Filipinas now prioritize independence and compatibility over tradition – and their relationship choices increasingly reflect that.
Challenges and Criticisms of the Live-In Setup
The live-in setup is becoming more common in the Philippines, but it isn’t without its critics:
Cultural and Religious Opposition
Many conservative Filipino families still view marriage as the right (and only) path to respectability, making cohabitation less accepted.
Religious beliefs add to the pressure, leading to judgment or disapproval from family and society.
Legal Protection Issues
Marriage provides legal security for inheritance, property, and child custody, which live-in couples may lack.
Without legal recognition, live-in partners may face challenges in securing assets and parental rights in the long run.
Emotional and Psychological Considerations
Without the legal and social commitment of marriage, one partner may worry about the stability of the relationship.
There’s no binding agreement to stay together, making it easier for either person to leave at any time.
This uncertainty can lead to doubts about long-term plans and financial security, which can strain the relationship later on.
The Future of Relationships in the Digital Age
So what does this mean for the future of relationships in the digital age?
Predictions on marriage and cohabitation trends in the Philippines.
Marriage rates may continue to decline as more Filipinas choose cohabitation for its flexibility and practicality.
A study by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and the Asian Center of Education, Research, and Training for Innovation (ACERT) found that most Filipino couples view cohabitation as a practical and beneficial arrangement, though many still consider marriage a long-term goal.
Moreover, PSA reported that of the 86.33 million persons of marriageable age, 14.7% of Filipinos were in common-law relationships, up from 9.2% in 2015.
To illustrate, this means the number rose from 7.24 million to 12.66 million.
As societal norms shift and economic factors play a role, cohabitation may continue to rise in the Philippines, with traditional marriages becoming more of a long-term (and non-urgent) goal than an immediate priority.
The long-term impact of remote work opportunities on relationship structures.
Remote work is reshaping relationships by giving Filipinas financial independence and control over their time.
With flexible jobs, they have more control over their time and income, enabling them to focus on career growth and personal goals without the obstacles inherent in a traditional marriage, such as household expenses and child-rearing costs.
A stable income from flexible work also removes the need to marry for financial security. Instead, women can choose relationships based on personal values and compatibility.
In the long term, this shift may lead to more couples choosing cohabitation over marriage, changing traditional household roles and commitment patterns in the Philippines.
Will marriage become less relevant, or will it evolve with changing times?
Marriage isn’t likely to become irrelevant, but it will probably evolve.
With remote work reducing financial limitations, more Filipinas may see cohabitation as a more beneficial arrangement outside marriage.
However, strong cultural and religious values may also mean that marital goals will likely adapt to modern lifestyles instead of simply fading away.
FAQ Section
Let’s delve into the evolving landscape of relationships a bit further.
Is the live-in setup legally recognized in the Philippines?
Yes, people can live together in a live-in arrangement in the Philippines without legal issues, but these relationships don’t have the same legal protections or benefits as marriages.
While there is no specific age limit for a live-in arrangement, Article 5 of the Family Code restricts individuals under 18 from marrying or entering a marital-like relationship due to their inability to fully understand or assume the legal rights and responsibilities.
Moreover, those under 21 need parental consent, and those under 25 need parental advice, except in cases of emancipation.
How do online jobs influence Filipinas’ decisions on marriage?
Online jobs give Filipinas financial independence and flexibility, which may lead them to delay marriage or choose live-in arrangements instead, as they can maintain independence while being in a relationship.
What are the financial advantages of cohabitation over marriage?
Cohabitation enables couples to split expenses without the legal obligations of marriage.
It also enables more flexibility in managing their finances, lets them avoid taking on their partner’s debts, and keeping their assets separate, which can reduce the financial risks that often come with marriage.
Does remote work affect relationship stability?
Yes, remote work can affect relationship stability in both positive and negative ways.
On the positive side, it can increase quality time spent together, reduce stress from commuting, and offer more flexibility for family life.
On the downside, it can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, leading to potential conflicts or burnout.
The key is maintaining clear communication, managing time effectively, and setting boundaries to ensure both work and relationship needs are met.
How do families react to this trend?
Families react differently to live-in arrangements.
Some may disapprove, especially in conservative or religious families, while others may accept it, especially if the couple is stable and committed.
Some families may even support it for practical reasons, like shared responsibilities and finances.
Conclusion: Love, Commitment, and Choice in a Digital World
Marriage has long been important in Filipino culture, rooted in religious and family values.
However, with the rise of remote work and financial independence, more and more Filipinas are choosing live-in arrangements over marriage.
By signing up with trusted companies like Remote Staff, you can find flexible online jobs that offer financial independence, empowering you to make relationship choices based on your values.
Still, while live-in relationships offer more flexibility, they come with challenges like cultural disapproval, legal issues, and emotional uncertainty.
What’s certain is that, as societal norms shift and remote work continues to grow, cohabitation will become increasingly popular.
While marriage will still be very much around, it will likely evolve to meet modern needs and values.
Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, it always helps to have options. Register with Remote Staff to build a fulfilling (and flexible) career that leads to more empowering choices!
