PHMore Filipino couples are choosing 'live-in' arrangements over formal marriage due to economic challenges, according to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). Registered marriages in the Philippines have declined by 13.5% over the past decade, while the percentage of women aged 15–49 cohabiting with their partners rose to 20.5% in 2025. The CPD attributes this trend to economic pressures, shifting social norms, and the high cost of marriage. Cohabitation is increasingly viewed as a more affordable option for managing living expenses and unintended pregnancies. Additionally, the number of children born outside of marriage has risen significantly, with 39.11% more such births compared to those from married couples in 2023. The median age for marriage has also increased, with men marrying at 30 and women at 28 in 2024, up from 28 and 26 respectively in 2015. These demographic changes highlight the need for updated social policies and protections for both married and unmarried families.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statistical data and quotes from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), offering a balanced overview of societal and economic factors influencing marital choices. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicatea
