Weighing Voices on Divorce

After the long prusisyon, the RH Bill was finally enacted as a law in the Philippines.

The smokes from the clashing explosion of opposing sides — pro and anti— are yet to subside but a new spectacle is once again brewing.

This time, it’s another bill that will challenge morality among Filipinos — Divorce.

Just like the then RH Bill, Divorce Bill or House Bill 1799 is facing stiff resistance from supposedly conservative and family-oriented sectors and personalities; the church being on the forefront. The main premise of their opposition leans on the assumption that legalising divorce would lead to more broken homes, destroy our moral values, juvenile delinquency and the list goes on.

On the affirmative side, proponents of the bill reason they want to give Filipino couples the choice to legally end a marriage when things don’t work out well between them. The Philippines has existing provisions for Legal Separation and Annulment, but proponents consider Divorce as more powerful protection for families where domestic violence persists, for instance.

All sides laid out. One thing should be clear–a moral dilemma slapped on the legislative body of the government.

It is a primordial fact that the Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia. That being said, should we remain the only country that does not allow Divorce? Should we hold on so firm to that doctrine Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder?

On the other hand, has it been too much of a delay for a Divorce bill in third-world Philippines, as supporters claim? And once and for all, is the Filipino family ready to welcome a radical change that will give each husband and wife the discretion to ‘undo’ a union made before the law and before God?

It could free so many battered wives and children from the cages of a matrimony that turned grey; but it could also tear worlds apart for children and spouses who once shared a one happy home.

And the panels will deliberate endlessly. At the end of very long speeches, feisty side commentaries and media appeals, sarcasm, mudslinging and all sorts of propaganda, there will be an answer.

Just like the old times, we shall wait for the prusisyon to reach base.

**

On another news, activist Carlos Celdran has been found guilty for “offending religious feelings”. It can be remembered that Celdran, who is also a tour guide and artist, has irked the eyes of the Catholic Church when he broke into and disrupted a mass in September 2010 and held up a placard with a DAMASO sign in it. He did so in protest agents the church’s strong opposition of the RH Bill.

Now, even PNoy, who is an RH advocate himself, is asking the Church to graciously forgive Celdran, who has since apologised. All things aside, he would have to be behind bars for some time, just like Jose Rizal who is obviously his hero.