MANILA, Philippines - The Gabriela party-list group urged President Aquino yesterday to keep an open mind on the pending divorce bill, saying the measure is long overdue.
Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan aired the call after Aquino’s spokespersons said earlier that Malacañang was not keen on the proposed divorce bill.
Ilagan said the party respects the Palace’s opinion, but cautioned they should read the bill first before jumping to conclusions. She said Malacañang is apparently afraid of the Catholic Church.
The lawmaker said even Gabriela knew the bill could not be tackled in the 15th Congress.
“If we come up victorious again this coming May elections, we will re-file the measure next Congress,†Ilagan said.
She said House Bill 1799 or the divorce bill, which she co-authored with fellow Gabriela Rep. Emerenciana de Jesus, was filed on July 27, 2010 and is now pending with the House committee on revision of laws. The measure seeks to amend the Family Code to include divorce.
Ilagan expressed confidence the divorce option would be used responsibly by couples, based on experiences of Filipino families showing many couples whose marriages have failed resorted to separation.
“Cases of battered women also support this. Battered women invariably seek separation only after many years of trying to make the marriage work. Separation only becomes imperative for them when they realize that it is necessary for their and their children’s survival,†Ilagan said.
“Divorce could actually provide protection to battered women and their children from further violence and abuse,†she added.
The bill retains the existing remedies of legal separation, declaration of nullity of the marriage and annulment, and only adds divorce as one more remedy.
Ilagan said couples could choose from these remedies depending on their situation, religious beliefs, cultural sensibilities, needs and emotional state.
“While divorce under this proposed measure severs the bonds of marriage, divorce as a remedy need not be for the purpose of re-marriage. It may be resorted to by individuals to achieve peace of mind and facilitate their pursuit of full human development,†she said.