Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

(a) Child refers to any human being under eighteen (18) years of age, or any person eighteen (18) years of age or over but who is unable to fully take care and protect oneself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition;

(b) Child marriage refers to any marriage entered into where one or both parties are children as defined in the paragraph above, and solemnized in civil or church proceedings, or in any recognized traditional, cultural or customary manner. It shall include an informal union or cohabitation outside of wedlock between an adult and a child, or between children;

(c) Guardians refer to relatives or individuals taking custody of a child in the absence of the parents, or anyone to whom a child is given or left for care or custody, whether permanent or temporary; or persons judicially appointed by a competent court as guardians;

(d) Parents refer to biological parents or adoptive parents; and

(e) Solemnizing officers refers to any person authorized to officiate a marriage under Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as The Family Code of the Philippines, or recognized to celebrate marriages by reason of religion, tradition, or customs.