Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Facebook)

While other lawmakers are preoccupied with legislation to hike workers' pay, Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez wants to put focus on another important need of Filipino laborers--happiness at home.

Alvarez emphasized ahead of Labor Day celebration this Monday, May 1 the importance of recognizing the rights of Filipino workers, including the right to dissolve an unhappy, abusive, and toxic marriages.

"On this Labor Day, we must remember that the well-being of Filipino workers extends beyond the workplace. We must ensure that our laws protect their rights in every aspect of their lives, including their personal relationships," said Alvarez, a former House Speaker.

"Divorce is a reality for many Filipino families, and it is time for us to acknowledge that reality and create a legal framework that reflects it," he noted.

Alvarez believes that Filipino workers must be given the opportunity to end their marriages in a safe and legal manner to alleviate the emotional and psychological burdens that come with being trapped in an unhappy or abusive relationship.

This, in turn, would allow them to focus on their careers and reach their full potential in the workplace.

"Experience has shown that workers in unhappy marriages are more likely to experience health problems, such as depression and anxiety, which can result in increased absenteeism and decreased productivity. Additionally, those who are in abusive relationships may struggle to maintain a steady work schedule due to physical injuries or emotional trauma," he said.

Alvarez, through House Bill (HB) No.4998, or the “Absolute Divorce Act of 2022, is pushing for the legalization of divorce in the Philippines— currently the only country in the world, aside from the Vatican, where divorce is illegal.

He explained how allowing divorce in the Philippines would have a significant impact on the well-being and productivity of Filipino workers.

According to a study conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), almost half of the country's labor force is comprised of married individuals. For those who are trapped in unhappy, abusive, and toxic marriages, the stress and emotional turmoil of their situation can have a profound impact on their ability to perform at work, he said.

"We cannot continue to deny our fellow Filipinos the right to a second chance at happiness, meaning, and fulfillment. As we celebrate Labor Day and honor the contributions of our hardworking citizens, let us also commit to creating a more just and compassionate society that values the well-being of all our people,” he said.