GUEST COLUMNIST

On May 22, 2024, the House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 9349, the Absolute Divorce Bill, on its third and final reading. Senators, however, are divided on the bill, with an informal survey by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada revealing at least six senators in favor and five opposed.

The clear division among lawmakers has sparked a robust debate and ongoing discussions about the best approach to address failed marriages in the Philippines. The Divorce Bill has faced significant resistance due to deeply-rooted religious, cultural, legal, and political complexities in our country.

Allow me to offer my humble opinion on the topic, examining the Divorce Bill through the lens of simple reasoning.

First, a brief background. The Philippines and the Vatican are the only two countries without a divorce law. During the American colonial era, divorce was previously legal in our country until it was abolished during the Japanese occupation.

At the core of every relationship is the fundamental human desire for love, respect, and happiness. When these elements are removed, the sanctity of marriage becomes a prison rather than a sanctuary. The ongoing argument over the Divorce Bill in the Philippines is a reminder that the option for love, true and liberating love, should always be available to everyone.

The Divorce Bill does not advocate for the dissolution of marriages at the first sign of trouble. Rather, it provides a necessary escape for those trapped in abusive and unhappy unions. It recognizes that, sometimes, the promise of “'till death do us part” becomes a source of pain and suffering, rather than a testament to enduring love. In such cases, offering a path to freedom is an act of compassion and justice.

The separation of church and state is a principle enshrined in our Constitution, meant to protect the diversity of beliefs in our society. The opposition to the Divorce Bill often stems from religious doctrines that should not dictate national laws. Religion and personal faith play a significant role in the lives of many Filipinos, but they should not override the rights and freedoms of individuals within a secular state.

Laws must serve the people, respecting their right to choose their path to happiness and well-being.

We must not dictate the lives of others. Instead, empathize with those in difficult situations and understand their need for solutions like the Divorce Bill.

As earlier mentioned, Divorce is a last resort. When man truly loves, he will never let go no matter how challenging the circumstances. He will fight for the relationship, seek solutions, and strive to rebuild what is broken.

Meanwhile, a woman will remain steadfast and endure moments of anger and frustration when love exists. For love that has faded, only pain and resentment remain. It is unfair to force individuals to stay bound by a relationship that no longer serves its purpose.

Divorce is an acknowledgment that love cannot be coerced or sustained through obligation alone. True love is a choice, a commitment renewed every day.

The Divorce Bill is a recognition that freedom, respect, and dignity should prevail in our personal lives. For those who find themselves in marriages devoid of love, the bill offers a chance to start anew, to seek the happiness that everyone deserves.

When we finally find that one right person who loves us unconditionally, who gives their all to us, we must cherish and nurture that love. It is a precious gift, not to be ignored or taken for granted. In our pursuit of happiness, let us not lose the moon while gazing at distant stars.

Let us recognize and uphold the option for love, allowing it to flourish where it truly belongs, free from the chains of loveless marriages. The ultimate goal is not merely to stay married, but to stay genuinely, wholeheartedly happy and in love.

There is hope!