In a recent, expeditious move by the House of Representatives, House Bill No. 9349 that seeks to reinstitute absolute divorce as an alternative mode for dissolution of irreparably broken or dysfunctional marriages was recently approved in its third reading on May 22, 2024. One-hundred twenty-six (126) Representatives voted in favor; one-hundred nine (109) voted against; and twenty (20) abstained. Subsequently, this was transmitted to the Senate on June 10, 2024 for another round of review and debate.

Be it known that the Diocese of Imus stands firm on the sanctity, indissolubility, and inviolability of marriage from which the foundation of every human family rests. Guarded by the 1987 Philippine constitution, marriage is not simply a contract between a man and a woman, but a covenant and a lifetime commitment.

This biblical passage from Matthew 19:5-6 profoundly expresses the beauty of the vocation for married life:

'For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

This divinely revealed plan is not only exclusive for Christians, but is manifested to all men and women of good will who, through their conscience, are able to discern what is good and true, and submit humbly to the eternal plan of God. The responsible use of conscience enables nations throughout the world to enact human laws that provide meaning and stability for married life and all human families.

It is for this reason that Section 1, Article XV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution had been framed. This is the by-product of a common discernment of people who uphold what is good, noble, and true that gives value to every Filipino family. For instance, this law provides that the state shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development.

Following this point of view, Section 2 of Article XV considers marriage as an inviolable social institution and foundation of every family that must be protected by the State. In fact, Article 1 of the Family Code of the Philippines (Executive Order no. 209) reiterates these values stressing that marriage is a special contract of permanent union, the foundation of the family, and an inviolable social institution.
The Diocese of Imus, along with the Family and Life Ministry, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas (SLP), religious groups, and other coalitions stand firm in its opposition to reinstituting absolute divorce in the Philippines for two important grounds:

1. It clearly violates God's eternal law and His plan for humanity; and
2. it contemptuously breaches the 1987 Philippine Constitution that mirrors God's eternal will, particularly the sanctity, indissolubility, and inviolability of marriage, and the stability of every Filipino family.

Indeed, those who tinker with this fundamental law meddle with the Divine plan which will consequently lead to instability and collapse of Filipino families and the Filipino nation as a whole. According to the statement of the Sangguniang Layko ng Pilipinas, there is an inexhaustible array of literature which document the effects of divorce to families. The group mentioned that '[d]ivorce damages the family. The availability of a legal option for terminating a valid marriage destabilizes the marital bond, and with it, the family unit itself, which is society's basic unit. It would lead to the breakdown of relations among its members, with all its adverse effects - especially on children – which include depression, dropping out of school, risky behavior, and even premature death.'

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) also reiterates that in a context in which divorce is presented as an easy option, marriages and families are bound to break up more easily. More children will grow up disoriented and deprived of the care of both parents. CBCP reiterates its strong appeal to legislators that while divorce may provide quick legal remedies for some seemingly 'failed marriages,' it may end up destroying even those marriages that could have been saved by dialogues and interventions of families, friends, pastors, and counselors. In addition, it stressed that the legal remedies for difficult circumstances are not lacking in the country's existing laws, both civil and canonical.

We therefore appeal to our honorable legislators to fulfill their constitutional mandate of strengthening and protecting marriage by upholding and preserving its permanent character; find ways to improve and make the existing laws on civil (and even canonical) annulments more efficient; and strengthen the Family Code of the Philippines by enacting laws that would address expensive and inefficient annulment procedures, inadequate marriage preparations, and spousal abuses, while at the same time safeguarding and keeping valid marriages and families intact.

The clergy, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Imus will commit to collaborate with society and provide avenues for discernment and preparation of couples before marriage; guide and inspire married couples to live a holy life; and counsel families in their most difficult moments.

Once again, we strongly state that ABSOLUTE DIVORCE TRANSGRESSES GOD'S LAW AND THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF THE LAND enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

May the Lord constantly increase in us the grace of commitment and fidelity to His will.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 26th of June 2024.

Sincerely in Christ,

 (SGD.)+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus