Officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed disappointment over the House of Representatives’ approval of a bill that will legalize divorce in the country. Also valid reasons for a divorce are psychological incapacity, gender reassignment surgery, and irreconcilable marital conflicts resulting in the total breakdown of the marriage beyond repair. The Philippines is the only country in the world aside from the Vatican where divorce is not allowed. The 1987 Constitution stresses that the State “recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution.”ADVERTISEMENTSecillano said lawmakers should protect rights and strengthen institution like marriage. But protection of rights should go hand in hand with upholding our cherished institutions like marriage,” he said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 23, 2018 05:37 UTC