Pro-divorce bills introduced in 20th Congress

Another Congress, another attempt to institutionalize divorce. House of Representatives members in the 20th Congress wasted no time in filing measures to make divorce a legal remedy for unhappy couples. Two key measures were HB No.108, filed by 4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos, and HB No.210, filed by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co.

Divorce is a sensitive issue in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country. It is among the few nations that do not recognize divorce. In the previous 19th Congress, a pro-divorce measure passed in the House but did not succeed in the Senate. The first day of filing bills for the 20th Congress saw the introduction of new divorce bills.

HB No.108 aims to provide spouses in irreparably broken marriages a legal avenue for dissolution, safeguarding children and empowering vulnerable spouses. The bill also outlines specific grounds for divorce. It is described as a pro-women legislation, focusing on helping women in abusive relationships regain dignity.

HB No.210 seeks to restore divorce as a rights-based option for Filipinos, based on the belief that couples should have the right to end a marriage contract when irreparable. Authors Tinio and Co express confidence that the bill will be used responsibly.

The bill addresses unfounded criticisms on divorce, citing examples from Italy and Spain, two predominantly Catholic countries with low divorce rates. It respects religious beliefs in the Philippines by offering divorce as an additional remedy alongside legal separation, annulment, and nullity of marriage.

Originally filed in 2005, the bill was crafted in consultation with women lawyers and various women's groups and advocates.