Kapuso star Barbie Forteza’s candid answer about her dream wedding recently caught the attention of netizens, even prompting a legal response from lawyer and film producer Atty. Joji Alonso.
The actress made the remark during the Aug. 3 media conference for her upcoming film “Saving Cherry”, where she stars alongside Khalil Ramos, Mika Salamanca, Mikee Quintos, AC Bonifacio, and Sassa Gurl.
When Philippine STAR entertainment editor Nathalie Tomada asked the cast about their dream weddings, Forteza quipped, “Dream wedding ko? I wanna get married in [Las] Vegas. In Vera Wang. Para may divorce.”
Alonso later responded to the actress’ answer in an Instagram post, explaining that getting married in Las Vegas does not automatically make a future divorce valid under Philippine law.
“Sadly, @barbaraforteza, IF you marry (even in Vegas) a fellow Filipino citizen who remains Filipino all throughout your marriage, any divorce you obtain won’t be recognized under Philippine law. Your marriage continues to subsist due to what is known as the ‘nationality’ principle,” Alonso wrote.
“Your nationality follows you wherever you are. And since divorce is not recognized under Philippine law, you remain married to him,” she added.
Alonso clarified, however, that a foreign divorce may be recognized in the Philippines under certain legal circumstances, such as when one spouse is a foreign national.
“It would be different IF you married a foreign national and your husband divorced you. That divorce may be recognized under Philippine law. It would be sheer absurdity for you to continue being married to a foreigner who is no longer married to you,” she explained.
“Saving Cherry is scheduled to premiere in cinemas nationwide on Sept. 2, 2026.
