A Global Handout in Divorce

Here’s what Iris Gonzales can say about divorce in the Philippines:

There used to be only two countries in the world – the Philippines and Malta – in which divorce was illegal. But in May, citizens of the Mediterranean nation voted in favour of divorce legalization, leaving the Philippines now the only country in the world which still bans divorce.

Couples locked in difficult and unhappy marriages could only sigh in frustration. The main opponent is the Catholic Church; because it’s very influential in this predominantly Catholic country, lawmakers hardly go against it.

Malta’s decision to legalize divorce has reignited debate here at home. Will the Philippines ever legalize divorce?
A women’s rights group is deviating from the safer position and is instead pushing for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines. However, in a Congress of more than 200 lawmakers, the Gabriela Women’s Party would need all the support it can get. Luz Ilagan, the lawmaker representing the group, said that divorce has been widely recognized around the world as a legitimate option for couples trapped in difficult relationships.
However, the Catholic Church is adamant with its position. Divorce, bishops say, would only destroy the Filipino family.

As early as 2005, the Gabriela Women’s Party has filed a divorce bill but our Congress simply ignored it. Male lawmakers, some of whom keep mistresses, refused to disturb the status quo. Isn’t it hypocritical not to recognize divorce as an option for unhappy Filipino couples?
At present, prevailing laws provide relatively difficult options for couples who want to separate. These are legal separation and annulment or a declaration of nullity of marriage.
Annulment is more popular, but it’s long and costly, and sometimes doesn’t happen at all. A television host, who had been abandoned by her husband, filed for annulment for more than once but her plea was never approved by the courts.

Indeed, annulment needs to be approved by the courts. In some cases, children are asked to testify against one parent and a battery of psychiatrists are summoned to prove the psychological incapacity of a spouse for an annulment to be granted.

But the reality is stark and telling. The number of people filing for annulments and legal separation has grown to 7,753 in 2007 from only roughly 4,500 in 2001.

As for me, I have never been married. I was raised not to believe in it. I think that in this day and age, where the world offers individuals more choices, it should be an option available for everyone.

Nobody wants to throw in the towel just like that, but if you’re trapped in an abusive relationship, you would not want to stay in hell as well.