Is the Philippines Ready to Legalize Divorce?
Divorce has long been a subject of public debates and countless arguments in the Philippines. I was in high school when I was oriented with the concept of legally separating a married couple so they can part ways peacefully and remarry somebody else if they want to. The Catholic church, however, still holds grudge against divorce. On the other hand, at one time, the Catholic church seemed to be giving in to legalization of divorce in the Philippines. I’m not sure what happened but the church leaders finally approved of annulment (a legal process quite similar to divorce).
I will try to deal with this topic more in future articles but here is a simple introduction on why Filipinos might not agree with the legalization of divorce. In the Philippines, culture dictates that what is joined by God should not be separated by man (isn’t this what annulment is all about). Filipinos are not properly educated with the concept of alimony - sharing wealth or assets with the ex-wife or ex-husband, and Divorce Records should always be kept from public scrutiny (the Pinoy mindset regarding anonymity and confidentiality). These are just some of my opinions why divorce will not be legalized in the Philippines in the near future. It will take some time before the advantages of divorce can be accepted in the Filipino values system.
Please feel free to post your ideas and opinions on divorce in the Philippines.
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Tags: Divorce in the Philippines, Legalization of Divorce in the Philippines, personal, Society
Wow, I had no idea divorce is not legal in the Philippines and the reasons behind it. Thanks for informing me.
Daly’s last blog post..Busy Cooking
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jessie reply on September 21st, 2008:
Daly,
Yup. Divorce is not yet legal here. What the government legalized was annulment. Thanks for being here once again
jessie’s last blog post..Total Cell Phone Ban While Driving Bill in the Philippines
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i do hope divorce gets legalized. the philippines only allows married couples to separate and remarry on very limited grounds. so what we have really is very far from divorce. also, we have nothing similar to no fault divorces, so if filipinos want to end a marriage completely, one of them needs to blame the other in court, and point out that person’s deficiencies. they cannot agree that that is what they both want. it isn’t allowed.
also i feel, for example, that a wife who gets beaten up by her husband should be allowed to leave him and remarry, but right now, based solely on that ground, it’s not allowed. or even if the husband abuses their child, the wife can leave, but cannot ever remarry, if that is the only ground used.
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jessie reply on October 2nd, 2008:
kouji,
Thanks for your comment. I think it’s time for the Government to legalize divorce. unfortunately, a law legalizing divorce could be in conflict with existing laws on annulment.
on the other hand, i do agree that a wife being beaten should seek protection from the law 9divroce could be one). also, two people unhappy with each other should part ways legally and find happiness elsewhere. divorce could be woman’s friend in most cases because she will share half of a man’s fortune if the divorce proceedings prosper.
jessie’s last blog post..Sexy Photo of Jean Garcia on the Cover of FHM Magazine (October 2008 Issue)
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sorry… i forgot… i was also supposed to say congratulations on Pinoy Ambisyoso’s Top Commentator Contest.
kouji’s last blog post..halimbawa ng haiku
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kouji,
thanks. i’ve been a regular there for quite some time now.
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i have been separated for two years now. i have no regrets or whatsoever with my decision. ever since my daughter was born, i have been the only one who is rearing and providing her with her needs. her father is lazy, irresponsible, unwilling to share with the household expenses, seems not to know his obligations as a husband and as a father. for four years, it’s like being a single parent so i decided to separate from him. i think the state cannot force two individuals who are not living harmoniously and symbiotically with each other. what is stipulated in the marriage contract is that the two must have mutual support. in my case, i have not seen that. i can only support myself and my daughter. anyway, isnt it the obligation of the husband and father to provide for the needs of the family? the wife will only help him. nobody, not the state or even the church, can decide for the two individuals who have bad marriage; otherwise, there will be a curtailment of freedom and rights. i have planned of getting an annulment but the high expense and the idea that my child will be illegitimate afterwards prevent me from doing so. i think divorce in the philippines should be given another thought.
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jessie reply on November 17th, 2008:
Sharon,
I understand your case. It’s a good thing you got out of the relationship. Single parenting in the Philippines is not that hard because of our system supports (family and friends). I too believe that divorce should be legalized in the Philippines because there is no 100% guarantee that marriage will last for life.
jessie’s last blog post..Miley Cyrus Dead? Miley Cyrus is Not Dead!
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I think it is about time that divorce should be legalized in the Philippines.I have been separated from my husband since 1999. He has his 2 wives after me…meaning he got 3 in all. It is frustrating, that until i am alone. Imagine almost 10 years trying to get my annulment to be with my boyfriend who is in the US. Judicial system in the Philippines SUCKS!!!, i dont have enough money to pay the lawyer. Those who can afford easily get their annulment. Isnt it just the same as divorce,,,why the IRONY!!! TOO BAD for me…i will die waiting for my husband to die, so ill be a widow,,,isnt that irrational…I hope Senator Biazons bill in the Senate will be approved!!! lets keep our fingers crossed.
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jessie reply on November 18th, 2008:
elen,
I understand what you feel. I agree, it’s really time for the Philippine government to legalize divorce in the Philippines and help people like you to get out of their situations legally and start a new life.
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