Bacolod City’s lone district congressman, Greg Gasataya, stands in contrast to three Negros Occidental representatives on the recently passed Absolute Divorce Act (House Bill 9349).
Gasataya, whose first marriage ended in annulment, was among the 131 lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill on its third and final reading.
The bill aims to establish absolute divorce as a legal option for marriages deemed irrevocably broken, with specific grounds and court procedures.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental representatives Alfredo Marañon III (2nd District), Emilio Yulo III (5th District), and Mercedes Alvarez (6th District) were part of the 109 who voted against the measure.
Proponents of the bill argue that it offers a legal solution for troubled marriages, minimizing the emotional toll on children caught in parental conflict. The legislation also paves the way for divorced individuals to remarry.
The bill outlines a clear framework for absolute divorce petitions, specifying grounds, procedures, and the impact on child custody, property division, and spousal support. It also incorporates provisions for reconciliation efforts, fines, and community-based programs overseen by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
However, opponents like Representative Yulo expressed concern about the potential negative effects on children, stating, “In any successful divorce proceedings, those who are affected are the children. I’m not prepared to see children suffering from the failure of their parents to fight for their marriage.”
