Sans Divorce in the Philippines, Is “I Do” a Life Sentence?
Is there divorce in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, ending a bad marriage isn’t as easy as in other countries. You can’t just say you’re done and walk away.
That’s because there’s no such thing as divorce in the Philippines. It’s hard to escape a bad marriage, even if you’re suffering.
Imagine Maria, married for 10 years to a Filipino guy. It wasn’t the fairy tale she dreamed of.
Her Filipino husband became mean and abusive. While she was physically separated from her husband, Maria wanted out legally. But she can’t just do that.
Then Maria met John, a foreign guy who fits her description of an ideal man. The problem is, she couldn’t just simply walk away from her marriage and marry him.
While there’s a complicated and costly process called annulment, it can take years and a lot of money to process. For Maria, this isn’t a real option.
Can Maria find happiness with John, or is she stuck in a bad marriage forever?
It’s a tough choice, and the law makes it even harder.
Religion and Divorce
Divorce bills have been introduced several times over the years in the Philippine Congress. Despite this, the country doesn’t seem to be ready to accept divorce.
The church, specifically, has a strong view against it. And many “religious” lawmakers are also reluctant, which makes it even harder to pass the bill into law.
One divorce bill managed to pass one hurdle, the House of Representatives. But it faced an arduous battle in the Senate chamber.
The slow passage of divorce in the Philippines may have something to do with some factors, including societal views, political games, and especially the church.
Remember, the Philippines is a catholic country, with 78.8% of Filipinos reporting Roman Catholic as their religious affiliation according to the Philippine Statistics Office.
While the country’s Constitution provides separation of Church and State, it’s undeniable that religion still has an impact on the country’s decision-making.
Life Without Divorce in the Philippines
The Philippines stands alone—the only country besides Vatican City without divorce. Ending a bad marriage feels like an impossible dream, especially for indigents.
“Till death do us part” might sound romantic, but for some Filipinos, it’s more like a prison sentence. This doesn’t just hurt Filipinos.
Take Maria who fell for John. Maria’s bad marriage is a roadblock to their happily ever after. John can’t marry her in the Philippines. And even abroad, Maria’s existing marriage chains her down.
So, what does this mean? For John and Maria, it’s a tangled mess. They can’t easily move on, get married, and build a life together.
The absence of divorce in the Philippines can trap people in bad situations. It’s a legal knot that needs untangling, so everyone can find their happy ending.
Other Ways Out
Legal separation, annulment, and declaration of nullity of marriage are other ways of ending a marriage in the Philippines—all different from one another. Each has its grounds, but the process of proving them can be a nightmare.
The most common is the annulment of marriage, but proving it can take forever and cost a ton, making it "Para lang 'yan sa mayayaman" (only for the rich) as some Filipinos say.
So, it’s not an option for people like Maria.
There's a weird loophole though: becoming a foreigner. Apparently, the no-divorce rule only applies to Filipinos. So, if Maria could magically switch passports, she'd be free and clear.
But let's face it, that's not exactly a practical solution.
An Honest Take on the Matter
I’m not saying everyone should get divorced. But I believe people need to have an option. So when someone’s stuck in a marriage full of abuse and pain, they’ll have a way out.
Sure, some people, especially religious leaders, worry that divorce will be like a fast-food drive-thru for marriage, and will make people jump ship too easily.
But let’s be real, is that really the biggest concern? Shouldn't we be thinking about the people trapped in those miserable marriages, like Maria?
Even if you’re against divorce, it’s not like it’ll magically change your life. You’ll still be happily married or single and loving it. This isn’t about you, it’s about helping those who need it most.
Maybe it’s time to put aside the worries and focus on the human cost of a broken marriage. Maybe then, we can find a way to give people the freedom they deserve, even if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Now, will divorce in the Philippines ever get its say? Only time, and maybe a few more catchy tunes, will tell.
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