PRESS RELEASE

                 Family Court Grants Filipino Mother Custody of her Children

Ms. Doblas and her sons Amir Abbas (left) and Mohammad (Right)

The Philippine Embassy announced that the Tehran Family Court One Branch 237 has affirmed its earlier decision granting custody of three minor children to their Filipino mother, Ms. Celia Doblas. The Court rejected the petition for reconsideration filed by Doblas’ estranged husband, Mr. Shahram Salehian Bidokhti. The case involved the custody of the children namely: Mohammad, 13 years old, Mohammad Reza, 9 years old, and Amir Abbas, 3 years old. Embassy Charge Affaires Mariano A. Dumia said he is very happy that the Court has granted Ms. Doblas custody of her minor children. “This is an unprecedented favorable verdict for a Filipino in Iran. I have full trust and confidence in the Iranian judicial system,” said CDA Dumia. The Embassy has extended all possible assistance to Ms. Doblas in her quest to gain custody of her children. Eight months ago, Doblas and her children ran away from their home and sought refuge at the Embassy as her husband continuously maltreated her and their children. The Court verdict, though maybe appealed within 20 days at the Tehran Court of Appeals by the husband according to the decision.

CDA Dumia said the judicial process has been relatively swift and fair, with the judge giving Mr. Bidokhti the benefit of the doubt, especially after learning that Ms. Doblas gave him a second chance and returned to their home in March. The court has shown fairness to both parties but gave more weight to Ms. Doblas’ position considering that her husband continuously maltreats her and the children and does not provide sufficient financial support as he is unemployed. Ms. Doblas said she will never go back to her husband as her life and that of her children are threatened.

However, even with the verdict, Iranian law requires that permission from the husband has to be secured before the children can be brought out of the country.  Ms. Doblas can return to the Philippines anytime but she cannot bring her children without the approval of her husband. The second child, Mohammad Reza, 9 years old was left at Mr. Bidokhti’s house when Doblas and her two other sons left their house and returned to the Embassy two months ago. Ms. Doblas wants to return to the Philippines with three children. On behalf of Ms. Doblas and her children, CDA Dumia said he is appealing and making representations with the court, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to allow Ms. Doblas to bring her children to the Philippines, on humanitarian consideration. END