HOW TO HANDLE A GAMBLING HUSBAND? WIFE ASKS CIA WITH BA

How to handle a gambling husband? Wife asks ‘CIA with BA’

Rachel, an OFW wife, sought advice from ‘CIA with BA’ on how to deal with her husband’s gambling addiction. In the episode on Sunday, February 16, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano provided important legal and practical insights on the matter.

According to Kuya Alan, if the gambling addiction already existed before or at the time of marriage, one could argue psychological incapacity as grounds for annulment. However, if annulment is not the desired solution, there are ways to protect the spouse’s assets.

"Ang maganda po, nasa batas [natin] na ‘yung utang na nanggagaling sa sugal o game of chance ay hindi pwedeng i-charge sa ‘yo," he explained. This means that if a person accumulates gambling-related debts, their spouse is not legally obligated to pay. However, the risk remains if their joint savings, properties, or assets are used or sold without the other spouse’s knowledge.

Since marriage is sacred, Kuya Alan emphasized three key steps to help a spouse struggling with gambling addiction:

1. Acknowledge the problem – "Kailangan ma-realize ng asawa mo na meron siyang addiction."
2. Seek help – "‘Pag naamin niya na may problema, get help. Kung kaya niyang tumigil mag-isa, na ‘wag nang [lumapit] sa mga nagsusugal, maso-solusyonan ‘to kaagad. Pero kung hindi, get professional help."
3. Control the finances – "Kung alam mong isusugal niya lang ‘yung pera, ‘wag mo nang ibigay sa kanya. Ikaw muna mag-manage nung pera habang may problema siya sa sugal."

In the end, the lawmaker advised the wife to be cautious in handling their hard-earned money and to take steps to safeguard their assets from the potential consequences of gambling.

‘CIA with BA’ continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.