4 Cebu solons say no to divorce

CEBU, Philippines — Four congressmen from Cebu voted “No” while one abstained when the bill seeking the dissolution of marriage was passed on third and final reading in the House of Representative last Monday.

With a 137-57 vote, the Divorce Bill, which aims to make legal separation cheaper and faster, was passed.

Under the divorce bill, from an estimated cost of P250,000, qualified “indigent” couples may have the litigation and fees waived.

The bill aims to “save the children from pain, stress and agony consequent to their parents’ constant marital clashes” and “grant the divorced spouses the right to marry again for another chance at marital bliss.”

At present, annulment or proving that the marriage is void is the only means to end a marriage contract in the Philippines, a dominantly Christian country.

Rep. Samsam Gullas of the 1st District of Cebu Province was one of the only two representatives who abstained from voting.

He said that the process was a “toss up” for him between voting against it and abstaining.

He said that he believes in the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong promise between a man and a woman to love and support each other until death do they part. He continued that it is a promise that the state should protect.

“I’m lucky enough to be part of the leadership of the house as deputy majority leader. Considering that this Divorce Bill is pushed by no less than our Honorable Speaker, the leadership should tow the line. Lastly and on a more Personal note, I will never vote for Divorce when I am going to get married five (5) months from now in August,” he said.

Four other congressmen also confirmed that they voted “NO’ to the bill.

“Divorce is not a solution to the problems of marriage. Married couples should work out and try all means to make their marriage work and preserve the family. The inevitable victims in a divorce are the children,” explained Congressman Peter John Calderon of the 7th District on why he voted against the bill.

Rep. Wilfredo Caminero also voted No. He said that marriage is a sacred covenant for better or for worse. When a marriage fails, he said that the children are the ones affected the most.

“Let not the state be a party of the perceived misery,” he remarked.

Both the representatives of Cebu City also voted against legalizing divorce.

“I voted NO. There is no question that a family that is intact is most beneficial to its members. An absolute divorce law will weaken this family institution by encouraging fickle unions,” said Congressman Rodrigo Abellanosa.

He continued that it must be understood that marriage is not an end goal. It is a continuing journey where the couple must work together to see through. It is a relationship that requires patience and nurturing, instead of an easy way out when things get a little difficult.

Rep. Raul Del Mar explained that he voted No because he believes that divorce is against the Constitution.

Officials of Cebu City have mixed reactions on the passage of the bill.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said the bill is “very controversial.”

“Well, I’m a practicing Catholic but I don’t really think that the law should follow the teaching of the church. If not, we will just let the church take over the government,” he said.

The mayor has been officiating several civil marriages since he assumed office in 2016.

“I understand what the church feels. They don’t believe in it. It’s the job of the church to convince the people not to get a divorce. I wish I could do the same thing also,” he added.

City Councilors Pastor Alcover Jr. and Association of Barangay Councils Cebu City Chapter President Phillip Zafra are against the dissolution of marriage. —Jean Marvette A. Demecillo,Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad and Rowena D.  Capistrano/MBG (FREEMAN)