Divorce bill to strengthen marriage: Alvarez

February 22, 2018

The divorce bill being crafted in the House of Representatives would not run counter to the constitutional provision the state should protect the family.

"In fact this will strengthen marriage because parties know that if it doesn't work out, there is that  chance that your spouse will seek divorce... So it will really strengthen your marriage because you will take care if you really love that person,  said Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in a radio interview on Thursday.

Alvarez also said the proposed "Absolute Divorce and Dissolution of Marriage Bill" will not be costly and lengthy to a spouse.

Poor and overseas Filipino workers can avail of the services of a public attorney in seeking a divorce and the process would be simple and fast, according to Alvarez.

Expensive and lengthy divorce are the complaints and problems of many OFWs, said Alvarez.

Under the proposed divorce bill, among the grounds for divorce are when the spouses are living separately for at least five years, irreconcilable differences and sexual infidelity.

Alvarez said irreconcible difference is when the married spouses are no longer happy with each other.

The bill also provides for alimony or financial support for the children of divorced parents. "This can be monthly installment or lump sum," said Alvarez. DMS