The Divorce Bill was re-filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros in the Senate under Senate Bill 394 or the “Dissolution of Marriage Act.” It aims to provide a legal means to end a marriage when the couple can no longer agree on a marital status and to save children from the stress, pain, and hardship caused by constant parental disputes.
According to Hontiveros, it is a reality in the country that there are many unhappy, failed, or abusive marriages from different levels of society. Based on data, women are often the victims of abuse and violence. Often, the husband himself is the one who commits physical and sexual violence against them.
A record from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that cases of Violence Against Women (VAW) increased from 2004 to 2012. Because of this, many women are calling for absolute divorce to completely stop the abuse and restore their freedom.
If this becomes law, absolute divorce will go through a legal process where one or both spouses can submit a petition. If approved, their single status will be restored. It will also ensure that the process is cheap, fast, and affordable, especially for the poor.
