MANILA, Philippines - Gabriela Women's Party considers Pope Francis' order to review the Church's annulment procedures as a progressive development.
"Napakakomplikado at sobrang taas ng halagang dapat gastusin para sa annulment sa hanay ng karaniwang mag-asawang Pilipino. Ang marahang hakbang na ito ng Santo Papa patungo sa pagluwag ng annulment ay hudyat ng pagkilala sa pangangailangang bigyan ng makataong paraan lalo na ang mga kababaihang biktima ng marahas na relasyon na kumalas nang ligal at maayos sa kani-kaniyang asawa," said Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Emmi De Jesus.
The party filed a bill at the House of Representatives that proposes the leaglization of divorce in the country. De Jesus believes that divorce remains to be the best method in ending a marriage, and that it should be legal in the country.
Pope Francis's review order will be discussed in the upcoming Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in the Vatican.
According to a report, the Pope formed a an 11-member commission of canon lawyers and theologians that would review the annulment process to "simplify and streamline it while safeguarding the principle of the indissolubility of marriage.”
If the reform gets approved, Filipinos who acquire divorce outside the country will no longer be barred from receiving sacraments such as communion.