Growing up in a broken family, the absence of a legal avenue for divorce in the Philippines has forced my family into a toxic cycle. My father, unfaithful to my mother, continues to exert emotional control, and perpetuates economic abuse, all without consequence. The inability to dissolve their marriage legally has prolonged the suffering and discord, entrapping us in a situation from which escape seems impossible.

The Philippines remains one of the few countries worldwide without a divorce law, alongside the Vatican. Current alternatives, such as legal separation and annulment, are not only financially taxing but also emotionally exhausting. Annulment procedures often require proving psychological incapacity, which is a complex and humiliating process that doesn’t provide true justice or relief for those trapped in unhappy marriages.

Countless Filipinos endure the same plight, trapped in failed marriages due to outdated laws. According to a 2015 national survey by the Social Weather Stations, 60% of Filipinos are in favor of legalizing divorce for irreparable marriages. The lack of legal divorce forces many into cohabitation or forces them apart without any legal recognition, affecting not just the spouses, but entire families, especially children, who grow up in environments filled with conflict and tension.

It's time for Congress to take action and align with the needs of its people. By legalizing divorce, the government can provide individuals with the legal tools necessary to rebuild their lives, ensure accountability, and protect economic security for spouses and children alike.

Help us bring change that reflects the realities of modern family dynamics in the Philippines. Pass a national divorce law that supports the freedom and wellbeing of all its citizens. Sign this petition and advocate for a future where Filipinos have the right to end marriages with dignity and respect.