Divorce bill hurdles House 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on second reading on Wednesday several pieces of legislation, including the controversial absolute divorce bill that the Catholic Church has vehemently opposed for decades.

House Bill 9349, principally authored by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, was overwhelmingly approved via voice voting.

The measure allows absolute divorce as an alternative mode of dissolving an irreparably broken or dysfunctional marriage. It provides limited grounds and well-defined judicial procedures for divorce and aims to save children from the pain, stress and agony brought about by their parents’ marital clashes or irreconcilable differences.

It also allows divorced spouses the right to marry again for another chance at marital bliss.

Under the bill, troubled couples may file a petition for absolute divorce using the following grounds: 1) legal separation under Article 55 of the Family Code of the Philippines, as modified; 2) annulment of marriage under Article 45 of the Family Code of the Philippines, as modified; 3) separation in-fact of the spouses for at least five years at the time the petition for absolute divorce is filed and reconciliation is highly improbable; 4) psychological incapacity as provided in Article 36 of the Family Code of the Philippines; 5) irreconcilable differences; and 6) domestic or marital abuse to include acts under Republic Act 9262 (Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004).

But if Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy would have his way, he would rather have Congress push policies and programs that would strengthen marriage and families.

Uy stressed that divorce weakens the fabric of society and contributes to the erosion of moral values.

“I urge members of Congress to reconsider the proposed divorce bill and instead focus on promoting policies and programs that support marriage, strengthen families, and protect the well-being of all members of society,” Uy said in an interview over the church-run Radio Veritas.

The bishop argued that a “society that values strong, stable families is a thriving society. Divorce weakens the fabric of society by eroding the foundation of the family unit. It leads to social fragmentation, increased poverty, and a host of other societal ills. By promoting divorce, we are contributing to the breakdown of social cohesion and the erosion of moral values.”

Meanwhile, the lawmakers also stamped their approval to various measures focused on the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to ensure their well-being, dignity and inclusion in society.

House Bill 10188, or the proposed “Senior Citizens Protection Against Fraud Act,” authored by Muntinlupa City Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, seeks to establish mechanisms to educate and keep the senior citizen informed about various forms of fraud.

The House also passed on second reading House Bill 10312 primarily authored by Reps. Joey Salceda (Albay), Rodolfo Ordanes (Senior Citizens party-list) and Alfelito Bascug (Agusan del Sur). It mandates the retention of the 20-percent discount privilege of senior citizens and PWDs even when products are sold at promotional prices.

Also passed on second reading was House Bill 10314, titled “An Act Rationalizing the Benefits and Privileges of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities.”

House strengthens midwifery

The House also approved on third and final reading an updated bill that revitalizes and strengthens the midwifery profession in the country, repealing two old laws, one of which was enacted 64 years ago.

With an overwhelming 186 votes, Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the passage of House Bill 10079, titled “An Act Strengthening the Practice of Midwifery as a Profession in the Philippines,” superseding two edicts considered no longer applicable in today’s digital age.

“We must pay tribute and honor our midwives, the unsung heroes in providing compassionate care and expertise to mothers and newborns. They are the backbone of maternal and child care. We laud their hard work and dedication. We need to help them equip their skills and gain more knowledge in their profession,” he said.

“This bill is equipped with provisions that will help existing midwives to gain more knowledge in the practice of their profession. This is a tribute to our midwives who have been serving our country for almost all their lives,” main author Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. of Bulacan said.

Once enacted into law, the measure will repeal two laws – Philippine Midwifery Law (Republic Act 2664) enacted in June 1960, which took effect 64 years ago; and Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992 (RA 7392), which is already 32 years old.

“Both laws have been enacted several decades ago. It is only but proper to repeal the said republic acts to adapt to the changing times,” the congressman of Bulacan province’s sixth district said. His co-authors include Reps. Migs Nograles, PM Vargas, Luis Campos and Ron Salo. –  Evelyn Macairan