We asked Gen Z about their thoughts on the legalization of divorce in the Philippines and the Absolute Divorce Bill currently “not a priority” in the Philippine Senate.
Related: Let’s Talk About The Absolute Divorce Bill
Did you know, the Philippines is still the only country besides the Vatican that does not allow divorce? We’re pretty sure you know, but yes, you heard that right—one of only two countries in the world.
We’ve talked about the Absolute Divorce Bill before, and discourse about it has grown louder recently as it passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. It’s currently reached the Senate level, and is highly debated upon for a myriad of reasons, including religion—which, first of all, should not be as big of a factor as some people wish it to be, given the separation of Church and State. However, it’s been made clear that the bill is currently not high on the Senate’s list of priorities.
For Senator Risa Hontiveros, divorce will give families a second chance at love and happiness after a toxic marriage.
— ABS-CBN News Channel (@ANCALERTS) August 7, 2019
Under her bill, irreconcilable differences, marital rape, and being separated for at least 5 years are among the grounds for divorce. #ANCEarlyEdition pic.twitter.com/68G6llddeY
Gen Z are affected by legalizing divorce not only because they’re at the forefront of being affected by tumultuous marriages, but they’re also growing up to be adults making the same commitments. People hoping for the bill to be passed generally advocate for the accessibility of leaving a marriage, for having the option to release oneself from a harmful, toxic, or abusive marriage, and for an alternative to the long, arduous process of annulment.
As some people have said, no one enters a relationship or a marriage planning to get divorced, but more and more people are advocating for the ability and accessibility to free yourself from a relationship that has fallen apart for different reasons.
Our perspectives on marriage, especially what with celebrity divorces being the most visible representation of marital relations besides our own families as well, is largely a different tangent of conversation, but for the most part, talking about divorce in the Philippines involves talking about giving the option of divorce to people who need it.
@inkamagnaye Replying to @steinerlynx ♬ original sound Magnaye – Inka
There are plenty of things to consider regarding the Bill and what it involves, such as the systems and processes to be put in place and the cost of divorce, clauses and segments that may need to be amended, other options that couples can take advantage of before calling for a divorce, among others. However, regarding the talk of divorce in general, we reached out to the youth to gauge their thoughts and perspectives on finally allowing it in the Philippines.
We asked a few Gen Z Filipinos, students and young working adults, their thoughts on divorce in the Philippines and the passing of the Absolute Divorce Bill. Generally, the respondents were in favor of allowing divorce in the Philippines, Though it’s hardly an all-encompassing survey, the perspectives of Gen Z are worthy to consider in discussion. Here are some more of their thoughts, opinions, and hot takes.
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GEN Z SPEAKS: What are your thoughts on divorce in the Philippines and the Absolute Divorce Bill?
Clara, 23
The Absolute Divorce Bill is long overdue. As Catholicism is the major religion in the Philippines, it remains as such—major, not total. Not every Filipino is part of the major religion, but each one should be protected by the law. The separation of church and state is crucial in this issue. Those who fail to see this separation also fail to achieve the church’s teaching of empathy.
Humans are humans because they make bad choices. Its with these mistakes that the law should protect the victims. The abused, may it be physically, emotionally, mentally, or in any capacity, should be able to free themself from the marital bond and move on.
Giu, 23
Though I’m not big on encouraging couples to get divorced just for the sake of it, I think the law should be put in place so it can be an option to do so. Some people may think divorce shouldn’t be legal because it destroys the sanctity of marriage. But what about marriages that are already destroyed from within because of abuse? What happened to “honor your wife/husband”? If that’s the case, we need to take those victims into consideration. They need a chance not just to survive, but to thrive in their own lives. They should be given the opportunity to start anew.
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Carlos, 23
Divorce is a must, because so many lives could be saved. Too common are stories of battered spouses, or unhappy marriages that turn into sprawling tales of infidelity in this country. And these are all reinforced by the shame that Catholicism/Filipino Religious Tradition teaches us from school, and fellow family members.
Having a choice is important, and I just wish that the people in charge know that it’s okay if they don’t want it for themselves—but at least think of the other people in these situations (and more) that do.
S, 22
I hope divorce is legalized through the Absolute Divorce Bill. Some also say that divorce will be used as an easy way out of a marriage. For me, divorce is a need in this country because people deserve a fresh start. Some marriages just don’t work out, or on the extreme end, some are abusive and do more harm than good to partners and their families. Divorce can help these people leave toxic environments and be free to find loving relationships.
I wish other Catholics would see that having divorce as an option would be good, especially for people who are in need and are in difficult situations. Its the more loving option. If you don’t need or want a divorce, then don’t get one! But let it be an option for those who need it. Plus, as a woman myself and knowing how women are usually treated in their marriages, I’m more inclined to support divorce.
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Y, 22
The passing of the Absolute Divorce Bill represents a progressive step towards providing Filipinos with the luxury of choice and the freedom to rebuild. I feel like a lot of people’s reservations or negative perceptions about this bill are misplaced because, in my opinion, it actually preserves the one thing they think this bill is destroying: the sanctity of marriage. I, too, believe in the sanctity of marriage and that’s precisely why I’m really in favor of the Absolute Divorce Bill.
If the marriage of two people is, at the very least, harmful to one party and there are irreconcilable differences, it’s best to not taint the sanctity of marriage any more by staying in that unhealthy union. Of course, there are also a lot of other factors to consider, but the bottom line is, we deserve more dignity than forcing ourselves to stay in relationships that threaten our security and happiness. And the Absolute Divorce Bill allows for that.
The opinions and views stated in this article are those of the individual Gen Z participants and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the author, publication, and the company it is under.
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