A panel in the Senate has finally approved a consolidated measure that provides for an absolute divorce in the Philippines.
Instituting divorce is part of Senate Bill No.2443, aiming to expand the grounds for the dissolution of marriage.
It was approved by the Senate committee on women, children, family relation and gender equality, which also released a report for plenary approval.
“The state shall assure that the court proceedings for the grant of absolute divorce shall be affordable, expeditious, and inexpensive, particularly for indigent litigants,” the Bill read. Absolute divorce is defined under the Bill as “the legal termination of a marriage by a court in a legal proceeding.”
A petition must be filed by one or both spouses, which would have “the effect of returning both parties to the status of single for all legal intents and purposes, including the right to contract a subsequent marriage.” —The Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
