Why is it so difficult for the Philippines to push through a divorce law?

Catholic-centric country on edge as bill nears Senate vote, with activists eager to prevent repeat of failed 2018 attempt

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Pro-divorce protesters taking part in a demonstration on Valentine’s Day in 2023 in front of the Senate Building in Pasay, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:00pm, 15 Jun 2024

Nearly a quarter of a century ago, women’s rights activist Elizabeth Angsioco and the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines, which she heads, invited Congressman Victor Ortega from the northern province of La Union to discuss a hot but forbidden topic – divorce.

Soon afterwards, “he was threatened to be excommunicated by the Catholic Church,” Angsioco said.

She had a personal reason then for wanting a divorce law. Her husband was working abroad and had stopped all communication and support for their three children for 10 years. Her only recourse was annulment of marriage but, from others’ experience, it was “very problematic”, she told This Week in Asia.

Now 66, Angsioco finally sees the legal battle to revive the Philippines’ divorce law turning, with the Lower House approving a divorce bill last month, for the second time in history since 2018. The previous bill six years ago died in the Senate.

Philippine women’s rights activist Elizabeth Angsioco. Photo: Handout

Still, it is too early to declare a victory. Only 260 of the 316 lawmakers actually voted: 131 chose “yes”, 109 “no”, while 20 abstained. Later, a “recount” showed the yes votes reduced to 126.

The onus now lies with the 24-member Senate. Angsioco said voting was still down to the wire, with senators possibly switching sides at the last minute. Should the bill clear the Senate, it will be reconciled with the House version, voted separately again by both chambers before it is transmitted to the president for his final approval.