Legalization of Divorce in the Philippines

INTRODUCTION:

Philippines is one of the religious country in the world aside from Vatican, that's why
Filipinos always deny the facts and proposal that are contrary to the law of God. And one of the
most debatable topics by the Church and government is the legalization of divorce in the
Philippines. It is due to its religious belief or the stronghold of Catholicism in the country. Since
the Spanish Era, churches always play a major role in political affairs of the Philippines, and
until now, church and religion was not fully separated from the state (Caulin, 2017). That's why
even if several lawmakers had passed the bill previously; it was not completely approved by the
higher officials. This puts the married couple into a great disadvantage who has grown tired of
their existing relationship. Especially women who are physically abused by their husband, they
will not just experience the pain physically but it may also lead them into mental illnesses such
as anxiety and depression.

BODY:

Most of the higher officials in the Philippines disapprove the idea of divorce. According
to President Rodrigo 'Roa' Duterte, "Children would be affected the worst, and if there will ever
be divorce, the abandoned spouse will find it hard filing a complaint after they've been divorce".
However, Representative Edcel Lagman assures that the bill also consist the assurance of
children’s custody, protection for legitimacy, termination and liquidation of conjugal partnership
and gains. Besides, engaging in a family in complete disarray will just make the children more
emotionally and mentally distress seeing their parents fight in front of them.

Some officials are afraid that Filipinos may take after the actions of Hollywood stars
wherein married partners would file a divorce immediately for petty reasons such as tiredness in
a relationship. Filipinos might think that marriage is quick and convenient to engage in.
Nonetheless, in a recent verdict of Supreme Court states that there will be a six months waiting
period for couples under Hindu Marriage Act, 1995. This gives more time to the married couple
to think for their decisions and not merely engage in.

Filipinos always knew that marriage is a sacred part of human's life. It is the time where
bows are exchanged to each other affiliated with the responsibility at all times. However, there
will always be a circumstance for failed marriages. Failed marriages that are hard to uplift and
fix. It will be much better to end a relationship where fights and arguments are the only thing that
stays.

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CONCLUSION:

An issue such as legalizing divorce in the Philippines may be hard to acknowledge from
the majority. However, it is probably the time in embracing modernization and slip away from
the cage where people limit their selves and continue to suffer. Legalizing divorce does not mean
that people will go against the churches rules. It will just give opportunity to married couple to
break free from unhealthy relationship and it also prevents their self from severe problems such
as having a mental illness and emotional breakdown.