Philippine Congress to consider divorce law
THE last country on Earth that prohibits divorce may change that if a proposed “dissolution of marriage” bill is approved by Congress.

Pantaleon Alvarez, the Speaker of the Philippines’ House of Representatives, on Monday told CNN Philippines the bill would be part of this year’s legislative agenda.
The Philippines is the only country in the world — besides Vatican City — that does not have some form of divorce. The country does allow marriages to be legally ended through annulment, but it is an expensive process that can take years, putting it out of reach for most couples. Alvarez’ proposal would allow couples to divorce provided they mutually agree to do so and are able to reach an agreement providing for the support of their children.
Uphill battle
In spite of wide public support for some form of divorce law, attempts by lawmakers to pass a measure in previous legislative session have failed due to resistance from the Catholic Church. About 85 percent of the population is Catholic, and the Church wields a significant amount of political influence. In a statement following Alvarez’ announcement, the powerful Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that it will oppose the measure.
Personal issues
Alvarez’ personal history may be a liability in getting the divorce bill passed as well. This is the second time he has proposed it; the first time was in April, shortly after it was revealed that he had a long-term extramarital affair.
In a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer at the time, Alvarez defended his affair as being “normal for lawyers,” saying, “My God, come on, who doesn’t have a girlfriend?” Alvarez was supported by his friend and political ally President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also estranged from his wife and whose live-in partner serves as the country’s de facto First Lady.
The Gabriela party-list organization, a women’s political advocacy represented in Congress, slammed Alvarez for his “double standard” for criticizing former Justice Secretary and now Senator Leila De Lima for a similar extramarital affair with her driver. The attitude that extramarital affairs are acceptable for men but shameful for women is commonplace in Filipino culture. De Lima’s affair was revealed during an investigation into her possible links to the extensive drug trade within the country’s largest prison, for which she was charged and is now under detention.
Other family law measures proposed by Alvarez for the upcoming legislative session include legalization of same-sex civil unions, and equalizing the rights of legitimate and illegitimate children.