Absolute Divorce Bill Approved by the House

A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

After decades of debate and gridlock, the House of Representatives has finally approved a bill legalizing absolute divorce in the Philippines. The landmark legislation, which passed on third and final reading on May 22, 2024, is a significant victory for advocates of women's rights and family law reform.

A Historic Moment

The Philippines is currently the only country in the world aside from the Vatican where divorce is not legally allowed. The passage of the Absolute Divorce Bill represents a major shift in the nation's conservative social norms and reflects the growing demand for more progressive family laws.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, hailed the House's decision as "a historic moment for the Philippines." The bill will now be sent to the Senate for deliberation, where it is expected to face further scrutiny and potential amendments.

The journey to legalize divorce in the Philippines has been fraught with challenges and setbacks. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed due to strong opposition from religious groups and conservative lawmakers. However, the growing public support for divorce, particularly among women's organizations and civil society groups, has gradually shifted the political landscape.