The public scrutiny of the First Family and the Remulla clan has recently intensified. In particular, I am shocked that the vitriol hurled against First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on social and traditional media comes from both the diminished opposition and disenchanted administration supporters. Meanwhile, the Remullas of Cavite are caught in a political maelstrom brought about by the arrest of a scion on drug-related charges.

I stand for our Constitutional right to free speech. But I also uphold basic courtesy in all forms of critical expression, especially online. Let us not devolve this freedom to voice dissent into a weapon of hate and violence against those we dislike.

Respecting the First Lady

The mere fact that she is a presidential spouse, Atty. Marcos should be accorded respect. By religious and legal fiat, President Marcos Jr. and his wife function as one unit. Although not elected by the people, the First Lady occupies an extraordinary role in the seat of power. She can organize or represent the President in official and state functions.

When Bill Clinton ran for the United States presidency in 1992, he and his wife, Hillary packaged themselves as a two-for-one deal. The same can be said of PBBM and FLAM, with the latter taking an active advisory role. In Carl Wasserman's 1995 article for Vanderbilt Law Review, "Firing the First Lady: The Role and Accountability of the Presidential Spouse," he said the president's wife undoubtedly exerts a behind-the-scenes influence over her husband outside the practical operation of law.

Our Family Code obliges spouses like PBBM and FLAM to render mutual love, help, and support. Concerning the property regime, Article 88 states: "The absolute community of property between spouses shall commence at the precise moment that the marriage is stipulated." As regards marital privilege, Section 20 (b) of the Rules of Court states: "A husband cannot be examined for or against his wife without her consent; nor a wife for or against her husband without his consent, except in a civil case by one against the other, or a criminal case for a crime committed by one against the other."