I think that divorce must be legalized in the Philippines because it is the solution to a lot of irrepairable marriages in our country. This, of course, should be with restrictions. A lot of people who are stuck in their marriage don’t have a choice so what happens is that the longer they stay in the relationship, the more wrong choices/decisions they make, thus they become “unacceptable” to our society. Divorce paves way for people to move on with their past lives. But if you have kids from a previous relationship, of course that does not mean you abandon them. Just like being married, it takes also a lot of responsibility to be divorced. Divorce should not be “an easy way out”.
For those who currently has an irrepairable marriage status, divorce grants them to become “religiously/socially acceptable” because, figuratively, it is a rebirth to a “new life” or a new beginning for two people. Spouses who were abused will now have a life that is free from their painful past. Because if we tolerate homes/ relationships that are not working, it is still considered morally incorrect. A relationship with no love, respect, and trust is nothing. It will just result to violence and abuse. While for those people who are living-in with their new partners do not need to hide from the society anymore. For as long as they become responsible for their own actions, choices and decisions, divorce will be an avenue for them to start anew. For those people who are left “single”, divorce will give them freedom from their past and will give back their confidence and trust in themselves and to other people as well.
For the people who are happily married, why fear this bill? If you know that you have a good foundation in your relationship with your spouse, then I don’t think there is a reason to be gravely affected if this bill will be passed. Happy marriages should stay as they are. You will not be forced to file a divorce if you do not want to.
Last Holy Week, I watched a movie entitled Fireproof. The story was about a fireman who has a downhill status in his marriage. His wife already filed a divorce and the papers are already waiting for the guy’s signature. Because of faith, remorse and so much love for his wife, he pursued her even though she was showing no signs of interest anymore. The story ended with both of them getting together again.
There was the presence of access to a divorce in the story but because of one’s pursuance to save their relationship, the divorce did not push through. It is always a matter of choice. Our choices in various situations differ. That is why my opinion regarding this bill is all about responsibility – responsibility in our actions and decisions. Divorce is for the people concerned. Divorce is about moving on. Divorce gives chance. Divorce should not complicate our society. Divorce is not for abusive people. Divorce is about responsibility.
(I do not intend to insult any sector of the society. This is just purely opinion. And if you will ask me if I have read the provisions of this bill, yes, I have read them.)
