The recent passage of the Absolute Divorce Act by the House of Representatives in the Philippines on May 22, 2024, has sparked significant discussion among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE. The bill marks a historic move as the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world that does not allow divorce. The bill, however, still faces several hurdles, including approval by the Senate and opposition from the Catholic Church.
The Global Filipino Magazine shared a question to its followers, predominantly OFWs in the UAE, about their stance on divorce. Here are their reactions:
Alliah Gail Flores expressed her support, saying, “How ironic that our country is still not approving divorce but the adultery cases are so high! YES to DIVORCE (but there should be specific grounds only). * Please choose your partner wisely. Marriage is a covenant.”
Ann Marie Benito shared her concerns, stating, “Pang mayaman bansa lang po ang divorce means Meron na silang existing law para sa mga bata child support and spousal support. Alamin po muna kung Kaya ba ng both parties. Divorce is more favor po sa babae kasi sa kanila naiwan ang mga bata child support sa mga anak at spousal support kasi di makakapag work ang babae full time. Need to divide property usually 50/50. Need Meron kayo insurance kasi you need to give that to your wife and children. Heath insurance and life insurance. Need to do counselling. Ano Pilipinas Kaya ba ang divorce. Hindi Ito voiding your marriage lang kasi ayaw muna sa asawa mo at Meron ka ng iba.”
Mark Gamiao Mendoza was straightforward in his response, “Oo naman ng mawala na sa buhay ang mga tiwaling asawa.”
Mercy Burlaza was more pragmatic, “Okey lang Basta affordable ang divorce na yan.”
Sharon Mancao Parilla expressed a different view, “Nope. Kung di na compatible e di maghiwalay but pls dont remarry at mgfocus sa kids. And the most impt is alamim sa Bible pra san ba tlg ang kasal in the first place.”
Ate Joyzkie held a firm stance against divorce, “No to divorce. Para nako sacred ang kasal busa b4 ka magpakasal dapat 100% jud ka nga ready sa imong decision nga whatever happen in the future till death do as part jud. Kung feel nimo di ka katuman anang till death do as part, ayaw na lang pakasal pagtilaw-tilaw na lang.”
Dhen Austria commented on the existing legal framework, “s totoo lng may annulment n s pinas… kaso mahal… just amend it… s dami ng laws at kung ano ano p s pinas.. mga mgnanakaw at bopol p rin n politiko binoboto…”
May Soleh strongly supported the bill, “100% bigyan ng kalayaan ang mga babaeng gusto kumawala sa mga asawang wlang kwenta at pakinabang.”
Daisy Sancho Cerilo opposed divorce on religious grounds, “Divorce is against the law of God.”
Wild Rose emphasized the plight of those suffering in unhappy marriages, “Hindi lahat ay maswerti sa mga asawa nila. Pasalamat na lang kung isa ka.. pero marami ang nagdurusa na may mga anak pang apektado. Kung ano man ang dahilan ng hindi pagkakaunawaan wala pa ring dapat magdusa at magtiis sa isang sitwasyon lalo na’t nasasaktan ka na.. kaya Big Yes.”
Liyzzah Schiezka suggested focusing on family strengthening instead, “Pabor ako that the government will focus its resources on helping solidify family to be whole and complete. Children deserve a complete family, not a broken one.”
Danica Jean Magpili advocated for conditional support, “Yes, case to case basis abusive husband/wife, cheater partner or anything that cannot help you in your well being why not. Marriage is sacred but not for all.”
Andrea Andrade warned against the consequences of divorce, “HINDI DAPAT MAGING LEGAL YAN MARAMING O MGA ANAK NA KAWAWA JAN. KC PAG KONTING HINDI MAG INTINDIHAN DIVORCE AGAD HINDI NIO NAISIP ANG INYONG MGA ANAK. KAYA KONG AKO SA INYO BAGO MAGPAKASAL MAKE SURE NA HANDA KA SA SARAP AT SAKIT NA DULOT NG BUHAY MAY ASAWA.”
Janneth Ogayre KeaSheika argued for practicality, “Yes! 100% YES! Ano gusto nyo magdagdag na lang ng magdagdag ng asawa at anak kahit hindi pa legal na hiwalay magparami ng lahi sa Dubai nga kasal pa sa Pinas pwede na ikasal don. Hindi yan sapilitan yung ayaw mag-divorce edi wag. Pati pagpapatupad ng batas pera pera na.”
Leizah Enetsis Nirugal saw divorce as a practical solution, “Ye pabor naman ako sa divorce kasi nagkakahiwalay lng naman ang mga asawa kong hindi na talaga mag work ang samahan nila db. Ano naman ang pinagkaiba sa divorce at sa hiwalay db parehas lng na watak ang pamilya. The difference lng po is legal yung divorce. Pwede na maging single ulit at mag-asawa.”
The Absolute Divorce Act’s journey is far from over, requiring Senate approval and the President’s signature to become law. The varied opinions among OFWs in the UAE reflect the complex nature of this issue in the Philippines.