SENATE BILL NO.

2443
DIVORCE ACT OF 2022
GROUP 2 BSM1A
WHAT IS SENATE BILL NO. 2443
Senate Bill No. 2443, also known as the "Divorce Act of 2022," is a
proposed law in the Philippines that would legalize divorce for the
first time in the country. The bill was filed in the Senate on
September 18, 2023, and is currently pending second reading.
The bill would allow for the dissolution of marriage on
several grounds, including:
Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct
Psychological incapacity Abandonment for at least one year
Marital infidelity A spouse's gender reassignment surgery
Separation for at least five years
 The Divorce Act of 2022 is a
controversial bill, with strong
opposition from the Catholic
Church and other religious groups.
However, proponents of the bill
argue that it is necessary to
provide a legal option for couples
who are in irretrievably broken
marriages.
 ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR MERIT

Divorce can offer a way out of toxic

1. Providing an escape from or abusive relationships, preventing
irreparable marriages. further harm and enabling
individuals to pursue happiness.

Divorce can be a means to shield

2. Protecting the well-being of children from the negative
children. consequences of a severely
strained or abusive marriage.
 ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR MERIT

Divorce can be a means for

individuals to regain control over
3. Respecting individual autonomy
their lives and seek happiness on
their own terms.
 ARGUMENTS AGAINST MERIT

This argument holds merit for those

who hold strong religious beliefs or
1. Eroding the sanctity of marriage
uphold traditional views on
marriage

Divorce can disrupt children's sense

of stability and security, potentially
2. Negative impact on children
leading to long-term emotional
scars.
 ARGUMENTS AGAINST MERIT

Divorce could lead to a decline in

3. Undermining Family Values commitment and responsibility
within families.
 Proponents of the bill argue that it is
necessary to provide a legal option for couples
who are in irretrievably broken marriages.
They believe that divorce can offer a way out
of abusive or dysfunctional relationships,
allowing individuals to seek a fresh start and
pursue happiness. Additionally, they
emphasize that divorce can help protect the
well-being of children by removing them from
toxic family environments.
 On the other hand, opponents of the bill,
primarily the Catholic Church and other religious
groups, maintain that divorce goes against the
sanctity of marriage and undermines the family
unit as a fundamental pillar of society. They
argue that divorce could lead to a rise in broken
families and negatively impact children's
emotional and psychological well-being.
Moreover, they advocate for strengthening
marriage counseling and support services to help
couples resolve their issues and preserve their
marriages.
POINTS OF CONVERGENCE

Protecting children's welfare:

Both proponents and opponents agree that the well-being of
children should be a paramount consideration in any decision
regarding divorce. They recognize the potential impact of divorce
on children's emotional and psychological development.
POINTS OF DIVERGENCE
Sanctity of marriage
Proponents view divorce as a means to end an irreparable
marriage, while opponents see it as a threat to the sanctity and
permanence of marriage as a sacred institution.
Individual autonomy vs. family values
Proponents emphasize individual autonomy and the right to end a
failed marriage, while opponents prioritize traditional family
values and the preservation of the family unit.
POINTS OF DIVERGENCE

Impact on society:
Proponents believe that divorce can provide a solution for
individuals trapped in harmful marriages, while opponents fear it
could lead to a rise in broken families and weaken societal norms.
 The debate surrounding the Divorce
Act of 2022 reflects the complex and
sensitive nature of this issue in the
Philippines. It is a topic that touches
upon deeply held beliefs, cultural
values, and societal norms. As the bill
progresses through the legislative
process, it is likely to continue
generating passionate arguments from
both sides.