Philippines Passes Historic Divorce Bill
House of Representatives Approves Groundbreaking Legislation
In a landmark move, the House of Representatives of the Philippines has approved an act expanding the grounds for the dissolution of marriage and instituting divorce. The bill, which has been met with both support and opposition, marks a significant shift in the country's traditionally conservative approach to marriage.
Background
The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world where divorce is not legal. The only way to end a marriage in the Philippines has been through annulment, which is a complex and expensive process that can take years.
The divorce bill, which has been in the works for several years, aims to provide a more accessible and equitable way for couples to end their marriages.
House Vote
The House of Representatives passed the bill on third and final reading on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. The vote was 130 in favor, 32 against, and 2 abstentions.
The vote was along party lines, with the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) supporting the bill and the opposition Partido Liberal (LP) opposing it.
Senate Committee Hearing
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it will be subject to further debate and deliberation. The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality held a public hearing on the bill on September 20, 2023.
At the hearing, supporters of the bill argued that it would provide much-needed relief to couples who are trapped in unhappy or abusive marriages.
Opponents of the bill argued that it would undermine the sanctity of marriage and lead to an increase in divorces.
Next Steps
The Senate is expected to vote on the bill in the coming weeks. If the bill is passed by the Senate, it will then be sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature.
The passage of the divorce bill would be a major victory for advocates of family law reform in the Philippines.
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