Did you know that the Philippines remains one of the few countries where divorce is still illegal?

Currently, Filipino citizens who are looking to get a divorce in Philippines are unable to end their unhappy marriages. This is due to the lack of legal divorce within the country. 

Not to worry though, as Easy Wedding Online might have just the right solution for you – obtaining a divorce in Abu Dhabi.

Let’s explore this further!

Divorce in Philippines: A Historical Context

Divorce in Philippines has been a controversial topic for many years. The country’s legal system is strongly influenced by Catholic teachings which oppose divorce. This has been historically reflected in the country’s lawmaking and legal system. 

The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, with over 80% of its population following Christian beliefs. 

Unfortunately for some, The Catholic Church’s influence extends beyond its religious boundaries, where it is now impacting societal norms and laws too. Currently, there are only two alternatives present to divorce in Philippines – annulment and legal separation. 

However, they are often complex and costly. Therefore, the lack of legal divorce means that couples are usually stuck in irreparable marriages and face challenges in seeking freedom and moving on with their lives.

Alternatives to Divorce in Philippines: Annulment and Legal Separation

For Filipinos trying to move on from their marriages, annulment, legal separation, and legal divorce are the main choices for legal divorce.

One can apply for a more complicated and costly annulment. Still, it has some application criteria. These cover factors include psychological incompetence, lack of parental permission at marriage, fraud, and impotence.

The procedure entails submitting evidence, a court petition, psychological assessments, and a legal trial, after which one files a lawsuit. Many cannot afford the thousands to hundreds of thousands of pesos that an annulment can cost.

Legal separation allows couples to live apart and divide their assets but forbids remarrying. Those who want to completely separate their marriage or search for another companion entirely will find this choice insufficient to meet their needs.

Exceptions to the Rule

Despite the general prohibition, there are exceptions to the ban on divorce in Philippines. 

For instance, if a Filipino marries a foreigner and obtains a divorce in the foreigner’s home country, the Philippines government might recognize it. This recognition is not automatic and often requires a long judicial process to have the divorce recognized by Philippine courts.

Additionally, Muslim Filipinos can get divorced under their own Sharia laws. However, this requires extensive paperwork and application processes for recognition by the legal system. 

Public Opinion on Divorce in Philippines

Public opinion in the Philippines has shifted significantly over the years. Recent surveys indicate a growing acceptance of divorce, especially among younger generations and urban populations. 

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in March 2024 revealed that 50% of respondents agreed that “married couples who already got separated and can’t get back together should be allowed to divorce so they can remarry legally,” while 31% disagreed, and 17% were undecided. 

Influential public figures, celebrities, and social media personalities have also strongly advocated to reduce the stigma around divorce. 

This changing attitude reflects that the newer generations of the Philippines acknowledge the realities of failed marriages and prefer to move on. The growing support for divorce highlights the need for laws that will address the rights of citizens tapped in irreconcilable marriages.

Government Stance and the New Divorce Bill

Like public opinion, the attitude of the Philippine government toward divorce has evolved over years. Mostly driven by concern for reaction from religious groups, lawmakers have opposed change. Still, new events show a different viewpoint.

The Absolute Divorce Bill enacted by the Philippines House of Representatives this May offers a legal and orderly means of dissolving unhappy marriages.

The measure lists criteria for candidates to have strong grounds for divorce in the Philippines. Furthermore covered are child custody and support, asset distribution, spousal maintenance, and a separation time before declaring the divorce finalized.

The Absolute Divorce Bill aims to give a straightforward procedure for dissolving irrevertible marriages. By defining precise rules for custody, maintenance, and asset distribution, it seeks to safeguard the rights of all the engaged parties—including children.

Challenges Facing the Divorce Bill

Though progress has been made, the measure has great obstacles until it becomes law. Still a major influence against divorce in the Philippines is the Catholic Church. Inspired by the Church, conservative legislators might reject the measure in order to prevent political reaction.

Moreover, popular knowledge of the advantages of divorce in Philippines and the challenges experienced by couples in broken marriages is somewhat lacking. Political battles could also cause the divorce bill to become a hot topic as politicians exploit it for their advantage.

Practical Solutions for Filipinos: Divorce in Abu Dhabi

Many Filipinos look for other answers overseas since the Philippines’ legal limits on divorce are so harsh. One such is getting divorced in Abu Dhabi.

As long as they satisfy residency criteria, the Abu Dhabi legal system provides a simple procedure for divorce—even for foreigners.

Often less expensive and more effective than the annulment procedure in the Philippines, the process in Abu Dhabi courts also makes remarriage to be possible. 

How Easy Wedding Online Can Assist?

Easy Wedding Online assists Filipinos in finalizing a divorce in Philippines and beginning a brand new chapter of their lives. Our team can guide you through the divorce procedure in Abu Dhabi, making it convenient and accessible. 

Furthermore, we offer services to facilitate marriages in Abu Dhabi’s courts if you want to remarry. Our goal is to make these emotionally difficult transitions as smooth as possible, ensuring you have the aid you need each step of the way.

The Final Verdict

The evolving laws for divorce in Philippines indicate a shift in the country’s approach to marital laws. While the new bill offers hope for change, practical solutions like opting for a divorce in Abu Dhabi offer relief for those seeking immediate freedom from their marriages. 

Moreover, Easy Wedding Online is here to help Filipinos navigate these alternatives, offering expert guidance and support to ensure a seamless transition. 

Whether you need assistance with a divorce in Philippines or wish to remarry, Easy Wedding Online is committed to helping you achieve a happier and more fulfilling life. Contact us today and take a step toward a brighter future!

FAQs

Is divorce still banned in the Philippines?

Yes, divorce remains banned in the Philippines. The country has not yet legalized divorce due to cultural and religious factors. The alternatives available are annulment and legal separation.

What is the current status of divorce legislation in the Philippines?

As of now, divorce legislation has not been enacted. Recent legislative efforts, such as the Absolute Divorce Bill, have been proposed but have not yet passed into law.

Can foreigners get divorced in the Philippines?

Foreigners who marry in the Philippines can seek divorce in their home countries. However, Filipino citizens cannot use this process to end their marriages in the Philippines.