Make annulment accessible, affordable

To Rep. Edcel C. Lagman,

As of today, the Philippines is one of two countries in the world that do not legalize divorce. However, that may soon change as the marriage dissolution bill has recently been signed by the House of Representatives. This will bring major changes to the country as it destroys the sanctity of marriage and threatens the most basic unit of society: the family.

Although the bill permits divorce within the country, we request that lawmakers rethink their decision, as there is already a process that respects the sanctity of marriage and is within the bounds of Catholicism. For many years, annulment has been recognized as a possible way to dissolve a marriage both by the Philippine government and the Catholic Church. If anything, we suggest that the government and the Catholic Church work closely together to make the annulment process more accessible and affordable to couples from all walks of life. Furthermore, we ask that they consider putting into place more in-depth marriage seminars prior to the couple getting married, so that these couples fully understand the commitment they are making. Marriage counseling and therapy should also be made available, with financial help for couples who are trying to settle differences for the sake of the family.

When a married couple undergoes divorce, the sanctity of marriage is destroyed as the vows said to one another are disregarded completely. This greatly depreciates the value of marriage, because it gives the impression that it is a commitment that can easily be broken. In addition to this, divorce leads to broken and dysfunctional families. It is essential for a child to have both a paternal and maternal figure in his or her life. Without either, the child might grow up lacking certain developmental skills psychologically and emotionally.

In the case of abuse, separation should be allowed for the sake of the children and for them to live in an environment that is beneficial to their overall wellness and growth without the trauma. This is a viable option, because it puts the family out of risk and still does not defy the sanctity and promises made during marriage.

The government is supposed to uphold the lives of each and every one of its citizens. The unborn, the defenseless — these are the most vulnerable members of our society. They, too, need the government’s protection and respect.

MAYA LEE, SAM GYU, FRANKIE JACINTO, GIRLIE GOMEZ, CRYSTAL WATERS,
c/o girlie.gomez24@gmail.com