Voices From The Visayas: Are you in favor of divorce in the Philippines? (The Regional Debate-Part 7: Congressmen's category)

"As vice chair of the Committee on Revision of Laws, wherein the Divorce Bill is pending, I am precluding myself at the moment to make a stand on the bill since there is a possibility that I might chair the deliberations on the bill in the future. In fact, I chaired the initial consideration of the bill last June 1, 2011. As chair, one must avoid exhibiting actions that you are biased on an issue. Rest assured that the Committee will study the bill by conducting further hearings as well as public hearings in the future.

REGION 6

By Danny B. Dangcalan (Bacolod) and Jennifer P. Rendon (Iloilo)

NO

The divorce bill is a diversionary measure from the real problem of the nation that must be addressed. Our real enemy is poverty that we must find solutions to.— Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez, (lone district, Bacolod City)

NO

I am against divorce. The annulment in the Family Code is sufficient. —Rep. Jerry Trenas (lone district, Iloilo City)

NO

I'm not in favor of allowing divorce. It will cheapen the sanctity of marriage and corrode the family institution. However, I'm in favour of annulment of civil marriages, similar to the present process of church annulment of Roman Catholic marriages, under the strictest of processes, meritorious circumstances, and as last resort. Such annulment process should not cheapen but strengthen the sanctity of marriage and the family institution. Hence, only rarely and as a last resort. —Rep. Augusto Syjuco (2nd dist., Iloilo)

REGION7

By Angeline Valencia (Bohol)

NO

I see this bill as unconstitutional and immoral, because it is against the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our present laws have legal separation and annulment, so divorce would be superfluous already. I am waiting though for the time when this bill reaches the plenary after some amendments or alterations of some sections are done in the committee level. I don't agree with divorce because it can destroy the family, and it can only add to the desire of a man who is only after sex, without regard to the fate of his children and family. People may want divorce so they could have different partners in bed, and this is a bad thing that they want to be legalized.—Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd dist., Bohol)