Philippine Senate Rejects Divorce Bill, Leaving Country Among Last to Ban It
A new attempt to legalize divorce in the Philippines fails, as advocates vow to continue fighting against opposition from the Catholic Church and a conservative Senate.
- The Philippines, alongside the Vatican, remains one of the last places in the world where divorce is illegal, with only costly annulments as an option for separation.
- A proposed divorce bill was recently dismissed by the Philippine Senate without being debated, restarting the process after legislative elections in May.
- Supporters of the bill highlight the plight of women in abusive or loveless marriages, citing the high financial and procedural barriers to annulment.
- Opposition to the bill, led by the Catholic Church and conservative lawmakers, argues that divorce would harm family structures and increase domestic violence.
- Advocates, including feminist groups and lawmakers, continue pushing for divorce legalization, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible legal remedies for vulnerable individuals.
Sud Ouest 
l'Opinion 