Filipino bishops oppose legalization of divorce, emphasizing commitment to family values

Filipino bishops have expressed their firm stance against the legalization of divorce in the Philippines, which is now a step closer due to its approval on the final reading in the country’s House of Representatives.

For instance, the Diocese of Malolos said that divorce weakens the resolve of married couples, pushing them to live together in fear and doubt.

“Therefore, in their married life, whatever conflict they face easily stirs up to separation,” the diocese’s statement said.

They also emphasized how divorce has an adverse impact not only on the relationship between husband and wife but also on their children's wellbeing.

“The compassion of the Church is for the entire family and not just one member of it… The response of the Church to this issue takes into consideration the love for all,” they said.

“If there are shortcomings or violations of their wedding vows, the law must also uphold the human rights of every member of the family,” the statement further said.

The Diocese of Malolos also emphasized that the Family Code of the Philippines already permits annulment and legal separation, making divorce unnecessary.

Furthermore, they took note of how the Catholic Church employs the concept of the Declaration of Nullity for married couples.

Meanwhile, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), reminded couples to look at marriage not as a human agreement but as a covenant between them and God.

“In the sacrament, God invites the couple to make an act of faith, not just in each other but in the God who calls them to build a family,” said the prelate in a homily on May 24.

“We are not to forget the silent witnessing of millions of couples who have made an act of faith, not just in their love for each other, but in the love that is greater than the two of them,” he also said.

Furthermore, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas stated that couples with marital problems can seek counseling and companionship with the Family Life Apostolate of their respective dioceses and parishes.

“The Church urges that those intending to contract marriage discern with maturity their preparedness for the duties marriage imposes on them and not treat it as some provisional arrangement that can be conveniently set aside when it so suits them,” said the bishop through a pastoral exhortation.

Absolute divorce was a law in the Philippines until the Civil Code was enacted, which only allows legal separation.

At present, the only two countries that prohibit divorce are the Philippines and Vatican City.