Absolute divorce bill gets final House nod

Grounds for absolute divorce under the bill include physical violence or grossly abusive conduct

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on final reading the proposed measure on absolute divorce. During the plenary session on Wednesday, the last day for the 19th Congress' second regular session, the chamber voted 129-34-2 to pass House Bill 10192, or the Absolute Divorce Act of the Philippines.

Under the bill, an absolute divorce may be granted on the following grounds:

• Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct
• Psychological violence or grossly abusive conduct
• Sexual violence or marital infidelity
• Abandonment without consent of the other spouse for at least one year
• Unreasonable and continuous refusal to perform marital obligations
• Irreconcilable differences that have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage
• A final and valid judgment of legal separation issued by a court of competent jurisdiction for at least two years

The bill also provides for a cooling-off period of at least six months before a divorce decree can be issued. During this period, the couple may seek counseling or reconciliation services.

The bill has been hailed by proponents as a long-overdue reform that will provide relief to Filipinos who are trapped in abusive or irreparable marriages. However, the bill has also been met with opposition from some religious groups and conservative lawmakers, who argue that it undermines the sanctity of marriage.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate for its consideration.