DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental -- The Diocese of Dumaguete, Diocesan Organization of Renewal Movements and Communities (DORMC) and the Diocesan Council of the Laity have expressed their vehement objection to legalization of divorce in the Philippines.
House Bill 7303, otherwise known as an Act instituting absolute divorce and dissolution of marriage in the Philippines, is not only against the Christian faith but also devastating to Philippine society, they said.
“If legislated, divorce can have devastating consequences on Philippine society, on the family, on children, and on the state as shown in the experiences of countries where divorce is legalized,” the DORMC said in a statement.
It believes the divorce bill is unnecessary, noting “remedies are already available under existing Philippine laws for families especially spouses, women, and their children who are trapped in oppressive and dehumanizing unions.”
The Diocesan Council of the Laity and DORMC, headed by William Ablong, are calling on all faithful and member organizations of church-based organizations to attend a forum on marriage and divorce to be held at a local hotel on March 24.
Tasked to expound on the legal framework of the divorce bill is lawyer Raymond Jorge Mercado while, Prof. Evelyn Mascuñana will discuss studies on the effects of divorce in the experiences of the United States and countries where divorce has been legalized.
Ablong said the forum will culminate with the signing of a one-page statement on divorce by the participants comprising leaders of the Parish Pastoral Councils, chapel officers, mandated, devotional, and Marian Organizations, renewal movements and communities all over the Diocese of Dumaguete.
Meanwhile, Ablong said they will tap the parish priests to help cascade the drive opposing the House bill on the legalization of divorce, as they launch a signature campaign to this effect.
He expressed hope that the Senate will listen to the views and opinions of the people before acting on the bill. (PNA)
