The House Committee on Population and Family Relations' approval of the divorce bill saddened an official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
Father Jerome Secillano, CBCP Public Affairs executive secretary, said he was saddened that lawmakers prioritized such bill at a time when the country is facing so many problems due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"People need their representatives to help them during this critical period. But these Congressmen opted to prioritize passing a bill that does more harm to the family than help strengthen it specially in this time of immense crisis," he said in an interview Wednesday, Aug. 18.
Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes was also disappointed with the move.
"Of course, I am greatly disappointed because until now the Philippines is the only Catholic country in the world that follows the law of Jesus Christ taught by the Church: Absolutely no divorce for lawfully married man and wife!" he said.
"This is a dogma which the Church holds despite the State's authority. It is a pity if this singular honor of our Catholic country will disappear!" added Bastes.
On Tuesday, the House panel unanimously approved a measure that aims to legalize divorce in the Philippines. The bill is now set for plenary debates.