British Marketing Executive Faces Jail for Adultery in the Philippines

Mateo Bradford, a 27-year-old British marketing boss, faces potential jail time in the Philippines after his wife caught him naked with his mistress. Adultery is illegal in the country, and Bradford’s wife reported him, leading to his arrest. She seeks accountability amidst their marriage struggles, while advocates call for reforms to the country’s adultery laws that penalize women more heavily than men.

A 27-year-old British marketing executive, Mateo Bradford, is facing potential incarceration in the Philippines after being discovered naked in bed with his mistress by his wife, Esiel. The incident occurred when Esiel, suspicious of her husband’s actions, followed him to a rented condominium. Upon her alert, the police intervened and arrested Bradford and the 24-year-old woman found with him.

Bradford was charged after a police unit specializing in Women and Children Protection raided the apartment. He made his initial court appearance in Cebu but did not enter a plea; the case has been postponed until next month. If convicted, he could serve a maximum of four years in prison for violating adultery laws, which remain in effect in the Philippines.

Esiel expressed her determination to hold her husband accountable for his actions, stating, “He’s not giving any support to our son. He spends all his money on his mistress buying her gifts like shoes and bags and paying for a car for her.” Despite their troubled marriage of 16 months, which has caused her distress and depression, she feels justified in reporting him to the authorities.

Originally from Birmingham, Bradford pursued a career in sales and marketing in the Philippines after moving there following family visits. He married Esiel in 2023 and they share a three-year-old son. Nevertheless, signs of marital discord emerged as Esiel noticed late nights and unusual fragrances on her husband.

Following her decision to tail him, Esiel discovered Bradford entering the apartment with his mistress. His spouse expressed disbelief over the infidelity, stating, “I was so shocked when I discovered he was having an affair. I didn’t think he could do that to me.” The police affirmed that Esiel’s complaint prompted the arrest, supported by their marriage contract.

Adultery remains criminalized in the Philippines, one of the few countries still enforcing such laws outside of Islamic jurisdictions. Reform advocates criticize these laws for gender bias, as women face harsher penalties than men. While women found guilty can receive up to six years, men may only be sentenced to four years, provided they have not established a concubinage arrangement.

The case of Mateo Bradford underscores the serious implications of adultery in the Philippines, highlighting societal and legal inequalities impacting women. Esiel’s response to her husband’s infidelity reveals both personal distress and a desire for accountability. The existing laws, which disproportionately penalize women, have drawn criticism, calling for urgent reform and consideration of gender equality within the legal framework.

Original Source: www.thesun.ie