Absolute Divorce..in Philippines

Upon moving to the next question in our test in Practical Law, I was alarmed by what I have read. The essay question read like this, ‘Lisa Masa has filed a bill of absolute divorce in the Congress. The question is, “Are you in favor of it? Give me three good reasons why or why not you are in favor of it.’

Of course, my answer is no!

Marriage is a special contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with the law for the establishment of a conjugal and family life. This is in Article 1 of the Family Code.

We all know that Philippines is a Catholic country. It doesn’t allow absolute divorce to be imposed in the country. This bill will only bring liberation to the people. Just look at the United States today. Most of the people out there entered into marriage and after several years, months, or even days, they will go into divorce.

Marriage is not just an ordinary relationship like a “boyfriend and a girlfriend” thing. Marriage is the only permanent contract that will only perish when either of the party will die.

It’s hard to go into marriage. You have to be physically, psychologically, emotionally and financially fit. You have to consider all the factors when you go into marriage.

I’m also wondering why some people want absolute divorce when this country allows annulment and legal separation. Aren’t they enough?

In the first place, annulment and legal separation is somehow the same with absolute divorce. Both parties should discuss this matter seriously and should think hard in deciding it.

The couple is not the only one affected when they go into divorce. The children are also affected with it. In fact, they are the ones who really suffer when the couple decides to break apart. They will be affected emotionally with that. And it is hard finding those emotions. Let us be sensitive to other people. Let us not only think for ourselves but also for our loved ones.

Knowingly, marriage is a sacred act. It is holy for God made it holy. But what did we do with it? We made it unholy by making it easy for the people to acquire it selfishly and reject it easily.

God married His wife (the Church). But then we are not satisfied with His love so we reject Him. Yet, He remained faithful to us.

That’s the real beauty of marriage, loving a person eternally. We do it by not doing things disagreeable to our partner. We should lengthen our patience. We should observe mutual love, respect and fidelity. And lastly, we should render help and support to keep us bounded with our partner.

With that, both parties will really enjoy marriage. And no more people will be hurt.

So let us not think of selfish ideas such as absolute divorce. Let us not hurt our children.

Absolute divorce will never happen in a Christian country like the Philippines.