Photo credit: Congress PH

The House of Representatives today approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 9349, known as the proposed Absolute Divorce Act. This significant legislative measure aims to provide an alternative avenue for spouses trapped in irreparably broken or dysfunctional marriages to secure an absolute divorce decree.

The bill's passage marks a historic step for the Philippines, one of the few countries in the world where divorce remains illegal. Advocates of the bill argue that it offers a humane and necessary option for individuals in marriages that are beyond repair, ensuring their right to move on and rebuild their lives.

House Bill No. 9349 lays out the legal framework for divorce, detailing the grounds and procedures for obtaining an absolute divorce decree. It emphasizes the need for a fair and equitable dissolution of marriage, taking into account the welfare of any children involved and the division of marital assets.

Proponents of the bill highlight that this legislation provides relief for spouses suffering from irreparable marital issues, offering a legal solution where previously only annulment or legal separation were available, often seen as insufficient or inaccessible for many.

The approval of the Absolute Divorce Act by the House of Representatives represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over divorce in the Philippines, signaling potential changes in the country’s family law landscape. The bill now moves to the Senate for further deliberation and approval.