For the 2nd time, House OKs bill allowing absolute divorce

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 22, once again approved on third and final reading the measure that allows couples to terminate their marriage through absolute divorce.

Voting on House Bill 9349 (An Act Reinstituting Absolute Divorce as an Alternative Mode for the Dissolution of Marriage) was sharply divided with 131 affirmative votes, 109 voted against, and 20 abstained.

“To those who opposed the measure, I truly respect their differing views based on religious belief...