Married couples in the Philippines currently do not have the option to divorce when parting ways. Source: Nick Youngson via Pix4free.
The Philippines — the only country in the world, besides the Vatican, that denies divorce to its citizens — is working towards a bill that would legalise divorce.
The bill passed the House of representatives in May, with 131 affirmative votes, 109 negative votes, and 20 abstentions.
If the bill passes the senate, then divorce will finally become legal in the Philippines.
Philippines is extremely influenced by the Catholic Church, who do not believe in the concept of divorce. The only way couples are allowed to separate is through an annulment or legal separation. Separated people are not allowed to remarry.
The legal process is slow and expensive, with no guarantee of success. The government can also appeal any decision.
Moreover, Annulments are not granted in cases of infidelity and physical or mental abuse.
Long-time divorce advocate Congressman Edcel Lagman — author of the Divorce Bill — said that this bill is the beginning of “the imminent liberation for Filipino wives who are entombed in toxic, abusive and long-dead marriages”.
“By legalising divorce, the Philippines acknowledges the need to provide options for individuals trapped in unhappy and irreparable marriages. This recognition reflects an evolving understanding of the complexities and challenges that can arise within marital unions.”
While Lagman is very “optimistic” about the passing of the bill, he faces stiff opposition from the church.
Majority of the Filipino population — about 80 per cent — are Catholic and believe that marriage is a sacred “lifetime commitment”.
“Marriage is a lifetime union so even with its ups and downs, the good times and the bad, the sickness and healthier part, they have to live with each other as husband and wife for the rest of their lives,” Father Jerome Secillano from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference told 7.30.
A Filipino woman, Michelle Bulang, left her abusive husband six years ago, unable to divorce him.
She suffered extensive injuries in her marriage, including burn marks on her back and leg, and a 13 stitch scar on her scalp.
“Every time he beat me, he beat the kids,” she told 7.30. “Every time I complained that he never gave me any money, he said I’m not allowed to work.”
A new bill can change everything for Bulang, who was not able to afford the cost of legal separation or an annulment.
“I want to feel the moment of freedom,” she said. “We are not criminals. We are all victims here.”
