Name: Lugtu, Danica Ybette B.

Date of Submission: December 16, 2021

Grade and Section: 11- APHRODITE Teacher: Ms. Cristine Joy Subaste

“Legalizing Divorce in the Philippines”

Marriage is the highest level of intimacy; it is a relationship between two people that is
full of commitment, love, trust, and respect. Marriage is formed when two people
exchange vows in front of a church, promising that their love will last forever. But as
they say, nothing lasts forever. What if the love is fragile and insufficient to fix the
relationship? What if the scorching flame that has kept you two alive dies? Annulment
and divorce are the best solutions to these problems. On the other hand, an annulment
is a time-consuming and costly process that not everyone can afford. That’s why divorce
should be legalized in the Philippines since it is cheaper and has a simple process.
However, the Roman Catholic Church does not acknowledge divorce because the state
cannot dissolve what is irrevocable, and it opposes the word of Christ and destroys the
sanctity of marriage. On the contrary, divorce is not as bad as many believe; it gives
people a new life to start again and a second chance to love again.

Furthermore, the Philippines, along with the Vatican, are the only countries that forbid
divorce. We Filipinos, specifically the older generations, are religious and sensitive to
divorce as they value the tradition in which they grew up; to stay with the persons to
whom they vowed “‘Til death do us part.” regardless of what happens in their marriage
life. People who live in the Philippines who want to end their marriage have limited
options. They can petition for an annulment, which is a costly court proceeding, or they
can file for a legal separation, which allows them to live separately while still married. As
stated by the Family Code of the Philippines: Legal Separation Article 55, a petition for
legal separation may be filed on some of the following grounds: (1) Repeated physical
violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a
child of the petitioner; (2) Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to
change religious or political affiliation; (3) Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the
petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner, to engage in prostitution, or
connivance in such corruption or inducement; (4) Final judgment sentencing the
respondent to imprisonment of more than six years, even if pardoned and (5) Drug
addiction or habitual alcoholism of the respondent.

Divorce is the termination of marriage, and it is quite common in the United States,
almost half of the married couple ended up in divorce or permanent separation. Also,
researchers said that 40% to 50% of first marriages ended in divorce and 60% to 65%
of second marriages resulted in divorce. There are many factors that put people at risk
for divorces, such as young age, lack of commitment, insecurity, and infidelity. To avoid
this, here are some ways to strengthen marriage: (1) Commit to your relationship; (2)
Honor and respect your partner; (3) Communicate on a regular basis; (4) Discuss
financial expectations; (5) Give each other space, and (6) Don't try to control your
partner. In addition, divorce is stressful and difficult and has effects not just on the
parents, but also on the children. According to Remy Dowd, a certified family and
couple's therapist, she stated that “children will demonstrate the effects of divorce in
various ways, and it's crucial that they feel as though they have space to express their
own emotions and concerns.”

Marriage isn't just about being happy. It is about stability, sacrifice, humility, forgiveness,
giving time, and, most importantly, choosing each other despite the difficulties. However,
everything comes to an end. A once-happy marriage has devolved into a toxic
relationship due to factors such as miscommunication, adultery, a lack of trust, a lack of
commitment, alcoholism, and financial problems. This can be shocking and traumatic
for children that’s why it is the responsibility of the parents to make them understand
and why these things happen.

However, if we consider the true scope of the problem, divorce is helpful for men and
women who have experienced physical abuse and domestic violence. According to the
National Demographic and Health Survey 2017, conducted by the Philippine Statistic
Authority, one in every four Filipino women aged 14 to 49 has experienced physical,
emotional, or sexual assault from their husband or partner. While the World Health
Organization (WHO), approximately one in every three (30%) women has been victims
of either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence
throughout their lives. Regardless of how alarming the situation is, lawmakers are doing
nothing to address it.
“When people divorce, it’s always such a tragedy. At the same time, if people stay
together it can be even worse.” – Monica Bellucci once said. Divorce is not an easy
decision to make; it takes a lot of time to think, and people to consider. It can be
traumatic for both partners. Therapy is a helpful way to deal with this. It will help people
develop new skills, a safe space to express their feelings and thoughts, and a support
system. For instance, Raoul, 59, has been miserable for a year after divorcing his wife
of 30 years. As a result, he seeks the help of a therapist, who assists him in identifying
his fears and coming to terms with his griefs as a side effect of the divorce. Hence, he is
able to understand his worries and feel optimistic about the future.

In conclusion, divorce is seen as ruining the sanctuary of marriage. Nonetheless,

divorce should be legalized in the Philippines since it helps people who are trapped in a
failed marriage by restoring their freedom and giving them the opportunity to love again.
It is time to break the silence and save them from their misery. Let us not deprive them
of their rights and allow them to leave and start again. Remember, longing for happiness
is not a sin.
 REFERENCES:

1. https://www.foryourmarriage.org/divorce/

2. https://pcw.gov.ph/executive-order-no-209-the-family-code-of-the-philippines/

3. https://yourdivorcequestions.org/how-common-is-divorce/?fbclid=IwAR2SRefuAr

xq39tfi_sidMeq2_H2XAVIpOlr2_Yi9cfS54aTs1zWlt-chl0

4. https://www.verywellmind.com/strengthen-a-marriage-and-avoid-divorce-127098

5. https://www.psycom.net/divorce#thepsychologicalimpactofdivorce-

6. https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women/

7. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

8. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/divorce/recovery