Should divorce be legalized in the Philippines?

Philippines is well known not only for its mesmerizing tourist destinations but also for its hospitable
people. Filipinos are kind, warm, and always have a smile on their faces no matter what happens, we’ll
always find something to smile about even in the midst of grief or chaos. In addition to that, Filipinos are
also famous for being religious, especially for being great Catholics. Our faith to the Roman Catholic
Church is incomparable. This is the main reason why we remain the only country in Asia that strongly
resists divorce.

Divorce on the other hand is defined as the legal termination of marriage. In simple terms, it is basically
severing ties with someone you once considered to live with the rest of your life ‘til death do you part.
Unfortunately, not all marriages are meant to head on that path, some couples realized in the later
years of their married life that they’re not just the right one for each other, no matter how they try.
After endless efforts of attempting to work it out, couples will inevitably reach a conclusion, and that is
to go through a heartbreaking divorce process.

In the Philippines, divorce was a taboo topic. However as we enter a new era and new generations arise
the idea of divorce seemed to be gradually accepted, albeit not by everyone but for some it is now an
option. The new generations of Filipino married couple compared to the past seemed to have shorter
marriages. They opt to fight and not reconcile at all that leads them to breaking up and living separately
without being separated legally. Why is that? Basically because in the Philippines there is no such thing
as divorce and annulment is expensive and time consuming. As a new breed of Filipino men and women
enter relationships and end up getting married the possibility of splitting after a few years is really high,
it is rampant in the recent years. This is why separated couples call out the government for divorce,
however it is not that easy. As the Pro-Divorce fights for its approval, the opposing party also has its
strong rebuttal initially having the façade of being faithful Catholics blurting out things like it’s against
the law of God and nature.

As this battle continues my take on this matter is a YES for divorce. As one of this generation’s new
breed Filipino woman I strongly believe that Filipinas in this era and age once married should stay
independent and empowered. In the talks of separation once the marriage you’re into fails to work we
should have our freedom back. That complete freedom without anything that connects my identity to
that former flame. That way I can rebuild myself without the remnants of our past connection reflected
on my personal information as an individual. The only way that can make this possible without the long
wait is divorce.

Divorce in the Philippines being legalized is still as foggy as December dawn, the road towards it is still
unclear. The battle is still on, the obstacles in its way is still there, the warriors fighting for it is still
standing strong, and the people against it is still blocking it head on. I’m hoping they reach the final
decision not in favor of their own ideals but of the people.