Napalan, Jeremy Inwood L.

11- STEM E

Divorcement Powers to Vanished Families’ Conflicts in the Philippines

Divorce is the action or an instance of legally dissolving a marriage. It is done

because it is believed to be a solution to families having huge conflicts. It’s better for the married
couple to separate than causing any more trouble with each other. With this, the wife and the
husband can have the freedom they want. Although, in the Philippines, divorce is illegal, and the
Catholic church would like to see it remain that way. We are a secular state, where no religious
group has the right to define law or policy for the entire population. The law should only give
people a choice, to be exercised according to their own personal beliefs. We can clearly see that
our Catholic orientation has been a dominant factor. Divorce is something that we should adopt.
Besides, it can benefit many Filipinos who are experiencing marital problems. Everyone should
have the right to escape from a bad marriage and be happy again. Divorce should be
implemented in the Philippines to help many people escape a bad marriage and start a new life
disregarding their past.
In divorce, there will be no conflict in the process. In choosing where will the child
go, the family and their lawyers will decide. Not only the child but properties. This will be a
good solution for them not to quarrel and the children will not be affected. There are advantages
to doing your own divorce. Keep in mind that this agreement will: 1. Divide your property as
well as your debts. 2. Decide parenting issues such as custody, visitation, and child support. 3.
Determine if alimony applies and the amount be paid.
In the Philippines, many women and children are abused inside their homes. This
kind of cases is increasing time by time and still not solved for years. The 2008 National
Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO)
introduced the "Women Safety Module" which aims to capture the extent and types of VAW
experienced by women (15-49 years old). The NDHS revealed that one in five women aged 15-
49 has experienced physical violence since age 15; 14.4 percent of married women have
experienced physical abuse from their husbands; and more than one-third (37%) of separated or
widowed women have experienced physical violence, implying that domestic violence could be
the reason for separation or annulment. That number climbs to a staggering one in three when it
comes to women who are separated or widowed. Divorce is a vital safeguard to addressing the
Philippines’ problem with violence against women, which is a serious one.
The divorcement method should be implemented in the Philippines. Present situation
demands it. Remember that Spain is the root of Christianity, yet divorce had been implemented.
The cases of Italy and Spain (two Catholic countries which practice divorce) are clear evidences
of its invalidity. In accordance with House Bill No. 1799 filed by the Gabriele Women’s Party
last July 27, 2010, Italy had only 7% while Spain sisters 15% of divorce rate. In addition to that,
over 90% of the poll respondents are in favor of divorce. In an official poll that ran from
December 19 to January 3,2013, 92. 44 percent or 40,414 voted miss” to the question, “Are you
in favor of divorce in the Philippines?” This shows that the public, regardless of their marital
status, is now more open to accept the possibility of divorce.
Reality tells us that there are many failed, unhappy marriages across the nation.
Marriage is never as blissful as people expect. Divorce is never as devastating as people imagine.
Divorce gives people a fresh start to lead better lives. Living in a marriage where love, respect,
friendship, and compatibility are gone is a life without hope. Let us think about other people
suffering due to unhappiness brought by their marriage. What is the sense of being binned by a
piece of paper hen it is actually ruining your whole life? We can solve all the problems and
conflicts of a family with this and can help ourselves to gain freedom and have a good new life.