TEHRAN -- The Philippine Embassy announced on Saturday that the Branch 237 of the Tehran Family Court One has affirmed its earlier decision granting custody of three minor children to their Filipino mother, Celia Doblas.

The court rejected the petition for reconsideration filed by Doblas’ estranged husband, Shahram Salehian Bidokhti. The case involved the custody of the children namely: Mohammad, 13, Mohammad Reza, 9, and Amir Abbas, 3.
Embassy charge d’affaires Mariano A. Dumia said he is very happy that the court has granted 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 Dumia.
The embassy had extended all possible assistance to Doblas in her quest to gain custody of her children. Eight months ago, Doblas and her children ran away from the home and sought refuge at the embassy as her husband continuously maltreated her and the children.
The verdict is subject to appeal within 20 days.
Dumia said the judicial process has been relatively swift and fair, with the judge giving Bidokhti the benefit of the doubt, especially after learning that Doblas gave him a second chance and returned to home in March. The court has shown fairness to both parties but gave more weight to Doblas’ position considering that her husband continuously maltreats her and children and does not provide sufficient financial support to the family. Doblas said she will never go back to her husband as her life and that of her children are will be in danger.
Despite the verdict, the Iranian law still requires the husband’s permission before the children can be taken out of the country. Doblas can return to the Philippines anytime but she cannot take her children without the approval of her husband. The second child, Mohammad Reza, left at father’s house when the mother and two other sons left the house and returned to the embassy two months ago. Doblas wants to return to the Philippines with three children.
Dumia said he is appealing and making representations with the court, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to allow Doblas to take her children to the Philippines, on humanitarian consideration