Despite the uncertainty, Easy Wedding offers hope for Filipino citizens. There are solutions to help individuals free themselves from the shackles of marriage without facing legal issues with the government.

Let’s discuss this in detail. 

A Quick Overview of Divorce in Philippines

Divorce has long been a topic of debate in the Philippines. Historically, the country has been influenced by Catholic teachings, which strongly oppose divorce. These teachings have even shaped the country’s legal system and rulings.

Although divorce is still prohibited, the legal system allows for annulment and legal separation as alternatives…but more on that later. 

In fact, some Filipinos take extreme measures to escape their marriages, even moving to other countries specifically to file for divorce in courts abroad and then hoping to have the process recognized in the Philippines.

The Exceptions

While the Philippines doesn’t generally allow divorce, there are exceptions. 

For instance, if a Filipino marries a foreigner and gets a divorce in the foreigner’s home country, the Philippines might recognize it. 

Additionally, Muslim Filipinos can get divorced under their own religious Sharia laws. However, these are exceptional cases and require extensive paperwork/application process for recognition by the legal system. 

The Annulment Process in Philippines

The Philippines offers annulment as a more complex, expensive, and time-consuming alternative to divorce. Common grounds acceptable by the Philippines government could include lack of parental consent, psychological disability, fraud, impotence, etc.

The annulment process involves detailed steps, with little to no room for mistakes in paperwork. You start by filing a petition in court, presenting evidence, and then undergoing a rigorous legal trial. The procedure also often includes psychological evaluations and testimonies. 

Unfortunately, the cost of annulment can be difficult to fulfill for many Filipinos, ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of pesos, depending on the complexity and length of the case. Hence, many Filipinos do not consider it as a viable alternative to divorce in Philippines.

Public Opinion on Divorce in Philippines

Public opinion on Philippines divorce has changed for the better over the years. Several recent surveys show that more nationals are accepting divorce, especially younger generations, and urban populations. 

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in March 2024 asked respondents if “married couples who have already separated and cannot reconcile anymore should be allowed to divorce so that they can get legally married again.” 

Results showed that 50% agreed, 31% disagreed, and 17% were undecided. 

Moreover, notable public figures, celebrities, and social media influencers have also contributed to the discourse, sharing personal stories and advocating for legal reforms.

While there remains a substantial portion of the population that opposes divorce due to religious and cultural beliefs, many voices are in favor of destigmatizing divorce.

Government Stance on Philippines Divorce 2024

Similar to the Filipino public, the government’s stance on divorce has evolved over the years. 

While lawmakers have been resistant to change, fearing backlash from religious groups and conservative constituents, Filipino citizens have observed a notable shift in the perspectives of current officials.

There are talks of a new bill that could change everything for marriage laws in this deeply Catholic country.

Philippines Divorce Bill passes?

The Philippines House of Representatives passed the Absolute Divorce Bill in May. While specific details of the Philippines divorce bill are yet to be finalized, the general idea is simple: provide a legal and orderly process for ending failed marriages. 

Some of the details of the Philippines divorce bill include:

1. Applicants need to have solid grounds for divorce.
2. The bill will also implement actions on child custody and support where necessary.
3. The Philippines divorce bill carries instructions for dividing marital assets and debts. 
4. The bill also defines rules about spousal support or alimony. 
5. A period of separation is required before the divorce is finalized. 

Challenges Facing the Bill

The bill still needs to pass the Senate before it can become law and is expected to face a great deal of opposition and hurdles. 

1. The Catholic Church: As mentioned earlier, the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country. For decades, the Church has been a powerful force in shaping public opinion against divorce in the Philippines.   
2. Conservative lawmakers: Many lawmakers are influenced by the Church’s stance and can oppose the Philippines divorce bill to avoid political backlash. 
3. Lack of public awareness: There might be a general lack of understanding about the benefits of divorce and the challenges faced by couples in failed marriages.
4. Political struggle: The Philippines Divorce bill could become a political football, with some politicians using it as a bargaining chip or to gain political advantage.

The Solution to Ban on Philippines Divorce

Given the restrictions of the legal system on Philippines divorce, many Filipinos are opting for alternative solutions abroad. One of them is obtaining a divorce in Abu Dhabi. 

This is because the legal system in Abu Dhabi offers a straightforward process for divorce, even for foreign nationals. 

Couples can file for divorce in Abu Dhabi regardless of their nationality as long as they meet the necessary residency requirements. Additionally, the divorce process in Abu Dhabi is more efficient and less costly than the annulment process in the Philippines.

Abu Dhabi also offers the possibility of getting remarried in its courts, providing a solution for Filipinos who wish to reconcile after obtaining a divorce. 

These accessible solutions for divorce and marriage in Abu Dhabi offer a practical solution for those seeking a freer legal framework around the Philippines divorce ban.

Easy Wedding, Your Way To A Happier Lifestyle

At Easy Wedding, we can assist you with both getting a divorce and starting a new chapter in your life. 

If you’re looking to finalize a divorce, our team can help you navigate the process in Abu Dhabi, making it straightforward and hassle-free. Additionally, if you wish to remarry, we offer services to Filipinos in getting married by Abu Dhabi’s court. 

Our services aim to make these important transitions as smooth as possible, ensuring you have the legal and personal support you need every step of the way.

FAQs

How can I find out more about the Absolute Divorce Bill and its progress?

Connect with Easy Wedding for updates on the Absolute Divorce Bill and its legislative journey. We provide timely information and expert analysis on the bill’s status.

What is the current status of divorce laws in the Philippines?

Divorce remains illegal in the Philippines, but recent legislative efforts aim to change this. Stay updated with Easy Wedding for the latest news and developments.

How can I get a divorce if it’s currently banned in the Philippines?

While divorce is banned, Filipinos may explore alternatives such as annulment or legal separation. Additionally, divorce in countries like Abu Dhabi is an option for those who meet residency requirements.