Gender and Sexuality in

Divorce
(Philippine Setting)
Cuajotor, Krizziane Ivy
Elgario, Jannis
Tuam, Brenda
I. Introduction to Marriage and Divorce
a. Definition and types of marriage and divorce
b. Causes of divorce
c. Effects of Divorce (focus on children and adults involved)

II. Divorce in the Philippine context

a. History Timeline of Divorce in the Philippines
b. Stigma and Stereotypes on Divorce and its Factors
c. Attitudes and Trends towards Divorce in the Philippines
d. Government (Laws) on Divorce
i. Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines
ii. Family Code of the Philippines
 iii. Absolute Divorce Act of 2018
e. Comparison between Annulment, Legal Separation (relative
divorce), and Divorce (absolute divorce)

III. Divorce in relation to Gender and Sexuality

a. Divorce as a gender equality right

IV. Summary and Conclusion

a. Hypocrisy in allowing Annulment and Legal separation
b. Significance of the legality of Divorce
 Introduction to
Marriage & Divorce
Marriage and its types
Definition:
“The state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual
relationship recognized by law.”
– Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Types:
1. Void marriage – A marriage that was for some reason never valid
from the start and cannot be made valid.
2. Voidable marriage – A marriage that is valid until declared invalid.
Divorce and its types
Definition:
“A divorce is the legal termination of a marriage by a court in a legal
proceeding.”
– Legal Information Institute-Cornell Law School
Types:
1. Relative divorce – couple separates "from bed and board" but
remain in the legal bonds of marriage.
2. Absolute divorce – terminates a legally valid marriage, and provides
each of the former spouses the right to marry again
 Causes of Divorce
• There is a wide variation when it comes to divorce.

• A study by Scott, S. et al. (2013) gives 7 different reasons with lack of

commitment being the most common one but infidelity and domestic
violence being the “last straws.”

• Another study from Amato, P., & Previti, D. (2003) shows the reasons
vary by gender, socioeconomic status, and the life course.

Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2003). People’s Reasons for Divorcing: Gender, Social Class, the Life Course, and Adjustment. Journal of Family Issues, 24(5), 602–626. doi:10.1177/0192513x03254507
Scott, S., Rhoades, G., Stanley, S., Allen, E., & Markman, H. (2013). Reasons for Divorce and Recollections of Premarital Intervention: Implications for Improving Relationship Education. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012696/pdf/nihms574558.pdf
Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2003). People’s Reasons for Divorcing: Gender, Social Class, the Life Course, and Adjustment. Journal of Family Issues, 24(5), 602–626. doi:10.1177/0192513x03254507
Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2003). People’s Reasons for Divorcing: Gender, Social Class, the Life Course, and Adjustment. Journal of Family Issues, 24(5), 602–626. doi:10.1177/0192513x03254507
Children of Divorce
• FAQ about Divorce: “Is divorce harmful to children?”

• Research suggests that children of divorce may experience a variety of

problems ranging from psychological disturbances to diminished social
relationships – may be mediated (or moderated) by a number of factors

• Researchers now view conflict, rather than the divorce or residential

schedule, as the single most critical determining factor in children's post-
divorce adjustment. 

Government of Canada. (2015). The Effects of Divorce on Children: A Selected Literature Review. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/divorce/wd98_2-dt98_2/wd98_2.pdf
Vitelli, R. (2015). Life After Divorce. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201507/life-after-divorce
Children of Divorce
FACTORS to consider:
• Child characteristics • Situational Characteristics
o gender o Parental Absences/Remarriage
o age o Time
o Conflict
o spousal violence
• Family Characteristics o support systems
o Socio-economic status o divorce proceedings
o ethno-cultural background o custody and access arrangements
o childrearing o environmental changes

Government of Canada. (2015). The Effects of Divorce on Children: A Selected Literature Review. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/divorce/wd98_2-dt98_2/wd98_2.pdf
Effects or consequences of Divorce
• Divorce is often stressful but the impact it has on later life satisfaction
often depends on the kind of marriage people had before. (Bourassa,
K.)

Children's psychological reactions to their parents' divorce vary and is

dependent on three factors (Vitelli, 2015):
(1) the quality of their relationship with each of their parents before the
separation
(2) the intensity and duration of the parental conflict, and
(3) the parents' ability to focus on the needs of children in their divorce.

Vitelli, R. (2015). Life After Divorce. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201507/life-after-divorce

 Effects or consequences of Divorce
• Children most likely to benefit from parental divorce include those who
endured years of frequent and intense marital conflict (Amato and
Booth 1997; Hanson 1999), and those who develop very close, mutually
supportive, and satisfying relationships with single parents (Arditti
1999).

• You can't compare the same family getting divorced while also not
getting divorced. (Gadoua, S. P., 2009)

Demo, D., & Supple, A. (n.d.). Divorce - Effects On Children, Effects On Couples, Effects On Parents. Retrieved from http://family.jrank.org/pages/413/Divorce.html
Gadoua, S. P., (2009). Divorce Doesn't Harm Children - Parents Fighting Harms Child. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemplating-divorce/200911/divorce-doesnt-harm-children-parents-fighting-harms-child
 Effects or consequences of Divorce
• Dotinga, R. (2006) says that studies suggest that parents’ fighting Has
Long-Term Impact on children even if it is in moderate amount.

• In families where there is a high level of conflict and animosity between

parents, children are at a greater risk of developing emotional, social
and behavioral problems, as well as difficulties with concentration and
educational achievement. – Family Court of Australia (Child Dispute
Services Fact Sheet)

Dotinga, R. (2006). Parents’ Fighting has Long-term Impact on Kids. Retrieved from http://news.healingwell.com/index.php?p=news1&id=530961
Parental Conflict and its effect on children. Retrieved from http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/9760678b-1fb7-4a68-bfc0-0d1bfa4fab4a/FS_ParentalConflict_1113V2_web_a.pdf%3FMOD%3DAJPERES%26CONVERT_TO%3Durl%26CACHEID%3DROOTWORKSPACE-9760678b-1f
 Divorce in the
Philippine context
 History Timeline of Divorce in the
Philippines
Absolute divorce is
Precolonial
practiced among
Period
ancestral tribes. Divorce was prohibited
Spanish and only legal
Period separation was
Divorce was again allowed.
permitted through Act American
No. 2710 on March 11, Period
1917. (1898-1943),
Promulgation of a new
(1945-1946) divorce law –
Japanese
Executive Order
Period
No.141 on March 25,
Act No. 2710 was Commonwealth (1941-1945) 1943.
reinstated. Government
(1944)

Abalos, J. (2017). Divorce and Separation in the Philippines: Trends and Correlates. Retrieved from https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol36/50/36-50.pdf
 History Timeline of Divorce in the
Philippines
Civil Code of the
Philippines – only legal August 30,
separation was allowed 1950 The dictator issued
Presidential Decree 1083
1972 – allowed for divorce
Executive Order No. among Muslims.
109 (Family Code of the
Philippines) – among the
July 6, 1987
first revolutionary laws Family Code of the
passed under executive Philippines took effect –
fiat divorce is not allowed,
August 3,
except to: (1) Filipinos
1988
married to foreigners, and
(2) Filipino Muslims

Abalos, J. (2017). Divorce and Separation in the Philippines: Trends and Correlates. Retrieved from https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol36/50/36-50.pdf
 History Timeline of Divorce in the
Philippines
Divorce bill first
introduced during the
13th Congress by 2005
The bill was re-filed by
Gabriela Rep. Liza Gabriela Women's
Maza August
party-list to amend the
2010
Family Code and
introduce divorce
Gabriela Women’s Party
filed House Bill No. August
2380 2016 Lower house of Congress
approved on third and
March 19,
final reading House Bill
2018
7303
Senate Bill 2134
or Divorce Act of December 2018 –
2018 filed in the January 2019
Senate.

Patag, K. J. (2018). Legalizing divorce in the Philippines: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/20/1798661/legalizing-divorce-philippines-what-you-need-know
 Stigma and Stereotypes on Divorce
and its Factors
Negative views regarding divorce:

The church being anti-divorce advocates:

a. Divorce is unconstitutional and it makes a mockery of the
sanctity of marriage
b. The children being at “disadvantage”
c. “Abuse” in the use of divorce
“The proposed law is definitely unconstitutional. It is expressly stated in Article 15 on The
Family, Section 2 of the Charter: ‘Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the
foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State.’”

– Rep. Lito Atienza

Buhay Party-list group

“Ang sabi po niya kawawa po yung mga anak at kung magkakaroon ng divorce
mawawalan po ng karapatan na magsampa ng kaso yung mga asawa na pinabayaan ng
mga asawa nila matapos sila mag divorce”

– Harry Roque on Duterte’s stand against divorce

A week before the Divorce Bill got the approval of the lower house, the CBCP issued a
statement and warned that lawmakers packaged divorce as an "easy option," which may
result in marriages and families breaking up more easily.

"We merely ask that they consider the possibility that divorce, while it may indeed provide quick
legal remedies for some seemingly 'failed marriages,' might end up destroying even those marriages
that could have been saved by dialogues or the intervention of family, friends, pastors and
counselors."
– Archbishop Romulo Valles
President of the CBCP
Their arguments:
• A failed marriage is not an argument for divorce. It is rather the proof of the necessity
that only mature people enter to it.
• If indeed there was abuse – Legal Separation & Anti-Violence Against Women &
Children
• If indeed was psychologically uncapable – Annulment
• Test-driving of a car – a metaphorical comparison
• Divorce victimizes children
 From House Bill 7303
Section 2. Declaration of policy
While the State continues to protect and preserve marriage as a social institution and as a foundation of the
family, it shall also give the opportunity to spouses in irremediably failed marriages to secure an absolute
divorce decree under limited grounds and well-defined judicial procedures to terminate a continuing
dysfunction of a long broken marriage.
Likewise, it is the duty of the State to save children from the pain, stress, and agony of witnessing regular
marital clashes with no end in sight.

Section 3. Guiding Principles

5. A six-month cooling-off period is instituted after the filing of a petition for absolute divorce as a final attempt
for reconciliation for concerned spouses.
7. Even as absolute divorce is instituted, the State has the role of strengthening marriage and family life by
undertaking relevant pre-nuptial and post-matrimonial programs and activities.
 From Senate Bill 2134

Section 2. Declaration of policy

While the State continues to recognize the sanctity of family life and endeavors to protect and strengthen
the family as a basic autonomous social institution, it is also dutybound to promote and protect the well-being
of its citizens.
Likewise, it is the duty of the State to save children from the pain, stress, and agony of witnessing regular
marital clashes with no end in sight.

Section 8. Mandatory Cool-off Period

Section 13. Recognition of Reconciliation

 The Magna Carta of Women
Republic Act No. 9710

Section 2. Declaration of policy

The State affirms the role of women in nation building and ensures the substantive equality of women and
men. It shall:
- promote empowerment of women and pursue equal opportunities for women and men
- endeavor to develop plans, policies, programs, measures, and mechanisms to address discrimination and
inequality in the economic, political, social, and cultural life of women and men.
- condemn discrimination against women in all its forms and pursues by all appropriate means and without
delay the policy of eliminating discrimination against women
- affirms women’s rights as human rights and shall intensify its efforts to fulfill its duties under international
and domestic law to recognize, respect, protect, fulfill, and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms
of women, especially marginalized women
- provide the necessary mechanisms to enforce women’s rights and adopt and undertake all legal measures
necessary to foster and promote the equal opportunity for women
"Ang pagpasok sa kontrata ng kasal, na kinikilala ng estado ay isang karapatan. Karapatang may
karampatang obligasyong kailangan tuparin ng dalawang panig. Dapat naroroon ang
pagmamahalan, paggalang, suporta at iba pang factors na magbibigay ng kaligayahan at
kalusugan sa kanilang relasyon,"

“Kapag may paglabag sa mga obligasyong ito, na kung minsang umaabot pa sa puntong nakataya
na ang buhay at katinuan sa pagitan ng mag-asawa, marapat lamang na kilalanin din ng estado
ang karapatan na wakasan ang kontrata at karapatang umalis sa relasyon.”

Emmi de Jesus
Gabriela Women's Party Representative
 Attitudes and Trends towards
Divorce in the Philippines
80% are Catholics

39% 13%
Strongly agree Somewhat agree

35% 13%
Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree

by Veritas
(Church-run Radio)
BBC News. (2018). Philippines moves closer to allowing divorce. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43457117
Social Weather Stations. (2018). Fourth Quarter 2017 Social Weather Survey: 53% of Filipino adults agree to legalize divorce for irreconcilably separated couples. Retrieved from https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-20180309165548
The Government on Divorce
The Government on Divorce
The Government on Divorce
The Government on Divorce
The Government on Divorce

• Absolute divorce is not (yet) possible under the laws in the

Philippines.

• Laws regarding marital union and dissolution in the Philippines:

• Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines
• Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order No. 209)
• Absolute Divorce Act of 2018

Abalos, J. (2017). Divorce and Separation in the Philippines: Trends and Correlates. Retrieved from https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol36/50/36-50.pdf
 Code of Muslim Personal Laws of
the Philippines
• Presidential Decree No. 1083 – a couple married under the Muslim laws
"have the right to divorce.“

• Was enacted to:

• recognize the legal system of Muslims in the Philippines as part of the law of the land,
• make Islamic institutions more effective,
• codify Muslim personal laws, and
• provide for an effective administration and enforcement of Muslim personal laws
among Muslim Filipinos.
 Code of Muslim Personal Laws of
the Philippines
Seven (7) forms of divorce:
• Repudiation of the wife by the husband (talaq)
• Vow of continence by the husband (ila)
• Injurious assimilation of the wife by the husband (zihar)
• Acts of imprecation (li’an)
• Redemption by the wife (khul’)
• Exercise by the wife of the delegated right to repudiate (tafwid)
• Judicial decree (faskh)
 Family Code of the Philippines
• Currently, there are three (3) options under this law to end a marriage:
For voidable marriages:
1.) Annulment – marriage is considered valid until the time
it is annulled; can remarry
2.) Legal Separation – allows the couple to live separately
but cannot remarry because marriage still legally exists
For void marriages:
3.) Nullity of Marriage – marriage is considered not to have
been contracted and the spouses can remarry
 GROUNDS
Annulment Legal Separation Nullification
Lack of parental consent Repeated physical abuse from partner Applicable only to void marriages:
Insanity/Psychological Incapacity (most coercion to change religious or political
(1) 18 below and without parental consent
common) affiliation
Any of the parents attempt to engage child in (2) lack of marriage license or lack of
Fraud
prostitution authority of solemnizing officer
Respondent meted with imprisonment of
Force, intimidation, or undue influence (3) bigamous marriage
more than 6 years
Impotence Drug addiction (4) same-sex marriages
Sexually transmissible diseases Lesbianism or homosexuality (5) Incestuous marriage
(6) widow who marries within 360 days from
Bigamous marriage
the death of her husband
Sexual infidelity or perversion
Attempt against the life of spouse and
Abandonment without justifiable cause for
more than a year

Annulment
Child custody and support – the best
interest of children is of paramount
importance
Child support systems – state-enacted
guidelines will determine the appropriate
amount
provide for the liquidation, partition and
distribution of the properties of the
spouses
Alimony (spousal support)
PROVISIONS
Legal Separation Nullification
 Entitled to live separately from each
Marriage is treated as invalid from the
other, but the marriage bonds shall not be
very beginning
severed
 Absolute community or the conjugal
partnership shall be dissolved and
Children are considered illegitimate
liquidated but the offending spouse shall
have no right to any share
Custody of the minor children shall be
Can remarry
awarded to the innocent spouse
Offending spouse shall be disqualified
from inheriting from the innocent spouse
by intestate succession
Absolute Divorce Act of 2018

An Act Instituting Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of

Marriage in the Philippines
House Bill No. 2314
March 19, 2018
• approved on its third and final reading
• Seen as a “pro-women legislation”
• The first time that a proposal to institute divorce in Philippine laws reached the
plenary of the lower house
• Aims to make divorce more accessible to a wider range of couples seeking liberty
from irreparable marriage

Patag, K. J. (2018). Legalizing divorce in the Philippines: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/20/1798661/legalizing-divorce-philippines-what-you-need-know
 House Bill No. 2134
Provisions Grounds

Right to remarry (either civil or religious) Grounds for legal separation (modified and amended)

custody of minor children and protection of their legitime (shall be in accordance to the Grounds for annulment
best interests of the children)
Under age of 7 – shall not be separated from the mother
Over age of 14 – child asked for his/her opinion Spouses having been separated for at least five (5) years

termination and liquidation of conjugal partnerships of gains or absolute community Psychological incapacity

alimony for the “innocent spouse” and child support Gender reassignment surgery

Petitioner may revoke donations made in favor of the respondent and the designation of
latter in any insurance policy

Legitimate, legitimated and adopted children of divorced parents shall retain their legal
status and legitimacy

punishment of 5-years imprisonment and a fine of P200,000 if found force, fraud, or Irreconcilable marital differences and conflicts that resulted to the total breakdown of
intimidation was used to file the petition for absolute divorce marriage (beyond repair) despite earnest efforts at reconciliation

parent/spouse who will fail to provide court ordered child support/alimony punished by
prision mayor or fined P100,000 to not more than P300,000 on top of the unpaid child
support and/or alimony

Division of property
Absolute Divorce Act of 2018

Divorce Act of 2018

Senate Bill No. 2134
December 13, 2018

• Filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros

• The Senate has yet to tackle the bill on the committee
level.

Patag, K. J. (2018). Legalizing divorce in the Philippines: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/20/1798661/legalizing-divorce-philippines-what-you-need-know
 Senate Bill No. 2134
Provisions Grounds

Grounds for legal separation, provided that physical violence and abuse doesn’t have to be
Right to remarry
repetitive

case and custody of children (in accordance to the best interests of the children) Grounds for annulment
Under age of 7 – shall not be separated from the mother
Over age of 14 – child asked for his/her opinion Psychological incapacity

termination and liquidation of conjugal partnerships of gains or absolute community All acts mentioned under Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004

Crime of rape by the respondent-spouse against petitioner-spouse before the celebration of

alimony for the “innocent spouse” and child support
marriage

Petitioner may revoke donations made in favor of the respondent and the designation of
Legally separated for at least two (2) years
latter in any insurance policy

Legitimate, legitimated and adopted children of divorced parents shall retain their legal
Separated for at least 5 years at the time the petition for absolute is filed
status and legitimacy

punishment of 5-years imprisonment and a fine of P200,000 if found force, fraud, or

intimidation was used to file the petition for absolute divorce

parent/spouse who will fail to provide court ordered child support/alimony punished by Irreconcilable marital differences, or irreparable breakdown of marriage despite earnest
prision mayor or fined P100,000 to not more than P300,000 on top of the unpaid child efforts at reconciliation
support and/or alimony

Division of property
 Annulment vs Divorce vs Legal
Separation
Annulment Divorce Legal Separation
Cost P200,000 and above
Less expensive (as per se on the proposed
divorce bill)
Amount up to P60,000

Duration A year or two at the very least but could

reach up to 10 years
Quick dissolution (as per se on the proposed
divorce bill)
Not guaranteed to be shorter than annulment

Have more grounds than annulment (more on

Grounds 6 grounds
Includes amended grounds from annulment and
legal separation
marital discord that includes physical abuse
and violence
Right to remarry; Can remarry;
Cannot remarry because marriage still legally
Marriage will be null and void from the Children (adopted or legitimate) still remain
exists;
very beginning (as if it never happened); legal status;

Provisions Children conceived before judgement of Marriage is seen valid and acknowledges that
Spouses can live apart and have their properties
separated;
annulment are considered legitimate the marital union is dissolved (there is a record);

Child custody and support, alimony and Child custody and support, alimony and division
division of property are met; of property are met;
Divorce in relation
to Gender and
Sexuality
 Divorce as a Gender Equality Right

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2018). One In Four Women Have Ever Experienced Spousal Violence (Preliminary results from the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey). Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/content/one-four-women-have-ever-experienced-spousal-violence-preliminary-results-2017-national
 Divorce as a Gender Equality Right

"Sometimes I want to end it all,"

"I almost died from my husband's beating and yet I have to convince
the courts why I want my marriage dissolved,"

"I was trapped. I didn't have a life,"

"Everybody deserves to be happy. People deserve to move on -

romantically, mentally and legally." - Krista Dador
28 years old, with 2 children
Divorce as a Gender Equality Right

• Her husband agreed to accept

an annulment if she paid for it –
"He strangled me, pushed me against a wall. I was something she could in "no
crying and screaming. I couldn't breathe," way" afford while raising four
kids.
– Melody Alan • In 2010 she separated from her
44 years old and endured 14 years of abuse
husband, who now has two
children with another woman,
but they remain legally
married.

Macaraig, A. (2018). Philippine poor pay the price for divorce ban. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/03/15/18/philippine-poor-pay-the-price-for-divorce-ban
Divorce as a Gender Equality Right

“A Filipina is a victim of domestic abuse every two hours.”

- Gabriela Women’s Party

"Divorce is a woman's issue, especially for poor women who are being
abused because it could provide them an out legally."

- Elizabeth Angsioco
National Chairwoman of the Democratic Socialist
Women of the Philippines
 Divorce as a Gender Equality Right
Excerpts from the House Bill 7303

From Section 3. Guiding Principles:

4. The option of absolute divorce is a pro-women legislation because in most cases, it
is the wife who is entitled to a divorce as a liberation from an abusive relationship
and help her regain dignity and self-esteem.
 Divorce as a Gender Equality Right
Excerpts from the Senate Bill 2134
From the Explanatory Note:
“It has been well-documented that the absence of a divorce law has had
disproportionate effects on women who are more often the victims of abuse within
marriages, and who are forced to remain in joyless and unhealthy unions because of the
dearth of legal options.”

From Section 3. Guiding Principles:

a. Gender equality, the protection of women from abuse and violence, and the best
interests of children are the fundamental guiding principles of this legislation, and shall
be read alongside the responsibility of the State to protect and strengthen the family as
an autonomous social institution.
Summary and
Conclusion
 Hypocrisy

"It's the hypocrisy – they say we must respect the sanctity of marriage yet they grant
annulments to selected individuals."

– Congresswoman Luzviminda Ilagan

Gabriella Women’s Party Representative
Co-author of the new divorce bill

The proposed divorce bill is nicknamed "Divorce Philippine-style" because it will still have strict
conditions and eligibility requirements but it does promise to make the whole process quicker and
cheaper.

De Leon, S. (2014). The fight to make divorce legal in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/06/world/asia/philippines-legal-divorce-battle/index.html
Significance of Divorce

Divorce could serve as a lifeline to women trapped in violent marriages.

It could also save children from the pain, stress, and agony of witnessing regular
marital clashes with no end in sight.
 References
• Abalos, J. (2017). Divorce and Separation in the Philippines: Trends and Correlates. Retrieved from https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol36/50/36-50.pdf

• Amato, P. R., & Previti, D. (2003). People’s Reasons for Divorcing: Gender, Social Class, the Life Course, and Adjustment. Journal of Family Issues, 24(5), 602–626. doi:10.1177/0192513x03254507

• An act amending Article 26 of Executive Order of 209, as amended, otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines, and repealing Article 36 of the same Code, and for other purposes, House Bill No. 1799, 15th Congress, 1st Session. (2010).
Quezon City: House of Representative, Republic of the Philippines.

• An Act Instituting Absolute Divorce in the Philippines, Senate Bill No. 2134, 17th Congress, Third Session. (2018). Quezon City: House of Representative, Republic of the Philippines.

• Annulment vs. Nullity of Marriage in the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/annulment-vs-nullity-of-marriage-in-the-philippines-28719

• Borja, F. (n.d.). Divorce in the Philippines: A Legal History. Retrieved from https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/divorce-in-the-philippines-a-legal-history-45701

• Delfin, C. (2008). Victims of domestic violence: Attacked by husbands, trapped by society. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/specialreports/106465/victims-of-domestic-violence-attacked-by-husbands-trapped-by-society/story/

• Dotinga, R. (2006). Parents’ Fighting has Long-term Impact on Kids. Retrieved from http://news.healingwell.com/index.php?p=news1&id=530961

• Government of Canada. (2015). The Effects of Divorce on Children: A Selected Literature Review. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/divorce/wd98_2-dt98_2/wd98_2.pdf

• Lebowitz, S. (2017). 7 common reasons people say they got divorced. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/why-people-get-divorced-2017-12

• Macaraig, A. (2018). Philippine poor pay the price for divorce ban. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/03/15/18/philippine-poor-pay-the-price-for-divorce-ban

• Parental Conflict and its effect on children. Retrieved from http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/9760678b-1fb7-4a68-bfc0-0d1bfa4fab4a/FS_ParentalConflict_1113V2_web_a.pdf%3FMOD%3DAJPERES%26CONVERT_TO%3Durl

%26CACHEID%3DROOTWORKSPACE-9760678b-1f

• Fenix-Villavicencio, V., & David, R. (n.d.). OUR RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION: PILIPINA's Position on the Issues of Divorce and Abortion. Retrieved from https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/philippinen/50068.pdf

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• Philippine Statistics Authority. (2018). One In Four Women Have Ever Experienced Spousal Violence (Preliminary results from the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey). Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/content/one-four-women-have-ever-
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• Scott, S., Rhoades, G., Stanley, S., Allen, E., & Markman, H. (2013). Reasons for Divorce and Recollections of Premarital Intervention: Implications for Improving Relationship Education. Retrieved from
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• Social Weather Stations. (2018). Fourth Quarter 2017 Social Weather Survey: 53% of Filipino adults agree to legalize divorce for irreconcilably separated couples. Retrieved from https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-
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• Vitelli, R. (2015). Life After Divorce. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/media-spotlight/201507/life-after-divorce