ALBAY 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman has taken a significant step towards legalizing divorce in the Philippines. His proposed bill, House Bill 9349, titled “An Act Reinstituting Divorce as an Alternative Mode for the Dissolution of Marriage,” has been referred back to the House Committee on Rules. Lagman has recommended that it be calendared for plenary debate and approval.
However, there have been some complications in the process. The House Committee on Rules and the House leadership recommitted the bill to the Committee on Population and Family Relations without informing Lagman. To further complicate matters, the Committee on Population and Family Relations then referred the bill to the Committee on Appropriations, a move that Lagman strongly objected to during a recent plenary session.
Lagman’s objection stems from the belief that only bills with appropriation language should be referred to the Committee on Appropriations. He argues that the Plenary, the main decision-making body, should have the final say in matters of appropriation. According to Lagman, any necessary appropriations can be added during the period of committee or individual amendments. The Plenary, he asserts, holds superior authority over the Committee on Appropriations.
Lagman suspects that the recommitment of the bill to the Committee on Appropriations was a deliberate attempt to delay or derail its enactment. He points out that the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world, apart from Vatican City, that has not yet legalized divorce. Lagman highlights the fact that all Catholic countries have their own divorce laws, indicating that divorce does not violate the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
The need for divorce legislation in the Philippines is pressing. Lagman emphasizes that millions of Filipino women are eagerly awaiting the enactment of this bill, which he describes as “pro-woman.” The bill aims to provide a legal recourse for wives who find themselves trapped in “toxic and destroyed” marriages due to cruelty, violence, and abandonment by their husbands.
Lagman passionately argues that the bill requires no alteration and should not be referred to the Committee on Appropriations. Instead, he advocates for it to be referred back to the Committee on Rules with a strong recommendation for plenary debates and approval.
The legalization of divorce in the Philippines would be a significant step towards empowering women and providing them with the freedom to escape abusive and loveless marriages. Lagman’s bill acknowledges the reality that divorce is a necessary option for those trapped in destructive relationships. By legalizing divorce, the Philippines would join the ranks of other countries that have recognized the importance of providing individuals with the choice to dissolve their marriages.
It is crucial for the Philippines to recognize that divorce laws can be tailored to suit the needs and values of the country, while also respecting the rights and autonomy of its citizens. The bill proposed by Lagman aims to strike a balance between protecting the institution of marriage and ensuring the well-being of those trapped in unhappy unions.
As the bill continues to navigate the legislative process, it is essential for lawmakers to prioritize the voices of those who have been suffering in silence. The enactment of divorce legislation would not only provide a legal remedy for those in broken marriages but also send a powerful message that the Philippines is committed to protecting the rights and well-being of its citizens.
In conclusion, Rep. Edcel Lagman’s bill to legalize divorce in the Philippines has faced some challenges in the legislative process. However, the need for divorce legislation in the country is undeniable. Millions of Filipino women are eagerly awaiting the enactment of this bill, which would provide them with an escape from abusive and loveless marriages. By legalizing divorce, the Philippines would join other countries in recognizing the importance of granting individuals the freedom to dissolve their marriages. It is crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the well-being and rights of those trapped in unhappy unions as they debate and consider the bill.
Source: The Manila Times
