Bato frowns on divorce, but may change mind

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he is personally not in favor of the measure seeking to legalize divorce in the Philippines, as this could only lead to further suffering of the children of the separated couple.

Dela Rosa, however, said he is willing to listen to inputs and opinions of his 23 colleagues in the Senate, which could eventually change his mind on the issue.

“Personally, I don’t want to see children suffer the trauma,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino during the Kapihan sa Senado forum yesterday.

He said although the world is imperfect, couples should first make sure that they are a match.

“The Bible said, what God has put together, let no one put asunder,” he added.

Lawmakers have refiled several measures ahead of the opening of the 18th Congress on July 22, including the Freedom of Information (FOI) and Absolute Divorce bills, which were approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in the last Congress but failed to get the Senate nod.

He said he would also look into the opinions of other senators who could enlighten him about the issue.

Dela Rosa said he is willing to help individuals who would want to get out of their respective troubled marriages.

He advised people to make sure to choose the one who would match his/her outlook in life before getting married.

He said his wife is his soulmate, and she is very supportive of him.