A proposed new law legalising divorce in the Philippines has sparked debate among overseas Filipino workers.
Filipinos here are divided on the issue of legalising divorce.
"From what I gathered, Malta and the Philippines are the only two countries in the world where divorce is not allowed. Even Italy, home of the Vatican, and Spain, which exported Catholicism to the Philippines, allow divorce," said Ivy Ilao, a flight attendant from Batangas province.
Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela recently filed House Bill 4016 which would give couples with irreconcilable differences a legal option besides legal separation and annulment of marriage to part ways and remarry.
Legal separation does not give estranged couples the right to remarry and annulment is very expensive and tedious.
Due to huge legal fees, many couples simply abandon their marriages whenever they encounter difficulties and live with the next partner.
Unlike Christian Filipinos, however, Muslim Filipinos are allowed to divorce in deference to their faith.
Edris Sakkam,, a Filipino Muslim working in Dubai, said: "While divorce is allowed in Islam, it is rarely practiced. Very few Muslim Filipino couples file for divorce. I don't personally know of one. Divorce is just the last resort."
Statistics show that in Manila alone, one case for annulment is filed daily for every 10 applications for marriage licence.
Maza's idea of divorce "with Filipino flavour" would allow only divorce for couples who had lived separately for five years in a row or legally separated for at least two years.
Marc Castro, a graphics artist, said: "Any proposed legislation to legalise divorce must have well-defined ground and restricted to prevent capriciousness and abuse.
"I used to believe divorce should not be made an option for couples facing difficulties. We were taught what God binds man can't break.
"But even the Catholic church makes exceptions and invalidates the marriage of some rich people."
Aileen Amparado, an advertising executive, said: "We can't go on ignoring the glaring reality of failed marriages. People who are in such state should be given a chance."
