Senators Robin Padilla and Risa Hontiveros are Unlikely Collaborators on New Divorce Bill

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Robin Padilla often find themselves on opposite sides of the fence on a variety of issues. But this time, the opposition senator is collaborating with the senate rookie for the passage of the divorce bill.

Currently, the Philippines and Vatican City are still the only two countries left in the world that does not  recognize divorce. Hontiveros, who is an advocate for women and children, now looks to Padilla and other majority bloc members for support. "As in the past six years, I am always able to cross party lines and unite with other senators to push important laws," she expressed in a statement.

The veteran senator, who has chaired the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality in the past, added that the passage of dissolution of marriage bill will be a top priority for her in the 19th Congress. She said that she will be including the committee report from the last congress to expedite the bill's passing during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos' term.

ALSO READ:

Child Sex Abuse Is on the Rise on Social Media

Let's talk about divorce—and the lack of in the Philippines

Meanwhile, Padilla agrees with much of Hontiveros' sentiments. He looks to file a divorce bill of his own. Divorce, as both of them claim, will preserve marriages and save relationships that have been "doomed" to fail due to irreconcilable differences. The supposed divorce law should also protect women from abuse and should save them from unwarranted rumormongering.

In a Facebook live forum Padilla held last Sunday, the senator said: "Hindi po ito kailanman na sumasalungat sa pag-aasawa. Hindi ito isang bagay na kami ay kontra na magkaroon ng forever. Katunayan, ito pong panukalang ito ay nagbibigay ng proteksyon unang una sa mag-asawa, babae at lalaki, at sa kanilang mga magiging anak."

Padilla's pending bill should have spouses file for divorce if one party is unable to fill the obligations of marriage, presumed dead, or have filed for annulment abroad. There is also safeguards for violations against the "Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act" included in the proposal.