By: Allyssa Janice Capoquian || Illustration by: Kyla Campo

A notable shift in the Philippine legislative landscape occurred on September 19, 2023, when the Senate of the Philippines approved a bill providing a legal ground for absolute divorce. The approval of the bill did not mean it had already been passed into a law. However, its passing could usher in a major reformation to the conservative Filipino society. Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the one who passed the bill, stated that, “The passage of a divorce law is one of the ultimate forms of freedom we can give Filipino women.” In a nation of conservative and patriarchal tendencies, the bill aims to provide every person, especially women, with an equal footing- an ability to make a choice. 

The Philippines has long been known for its strict laws against divorce. The country emphasizes the sanctity of marriage, but fails to see the prevailing issues found in that union. Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in our country. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, one in four Filipino women age 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence by their husband or partner. However, many women subjected to abuse do not report their experiences. The culture of victim-blaming has led to silence amongst abuse victims. This can be connected back to the strong societal and religious norms in the country, and their desperate need to uphold the patriarchal family image. 

Moreover, the country is unsuccessful in providing a strong justice system for these victims. They end up staying in these toxic marriages because they are not provided the support or opportunity to escape from those harmful situations. Even though annulment is a possibility, it is far too long a process and far too expensive for the working-class to afford. The tedious and unaffordable process of annulment ironically exhibits the Philippines’ perpetuating stand against divorce.

Additionally, women stay in abusive marriages for their children. But abusive or unhappy marriages also affect the development of children who are exposed to those stressful conditions. Children constantly being exposed to an aggressive environment are more likely to develop aggressive tendencies, or perceive that aggression as normal. It may dissuade them from marriage altogether. According to The Child and Youth Welfare Code, children are entitled to rights providing them with familial security and protection from harm. These rights can be neglected in abusive or dysfunctional households. Divorce, in many of these situations, could have been a gateway to stop these problems before they could worsen. 

It is expected that coming from a predominantly Catholic country, many Filipinos oppose the bill. However, it is essential to emphasize that the passing of this bill was not made to undermine Catholic beliefs, but simply meant to provide the option for people to divorce and remarry. In our democratic country, everyone should be given a choice. Everyone should have their rights upheld. The Senate’s approval of the divorce bill is not meant to disrespect anyone’s religious beliefs. Rather, it is another path bringing progression, freedom, and inclusivity into this nation.