Half of Filipino adults support divorce legalization for separated couples

Half of Filipino adults nationwide support the legalization of divorce for irreconcilably separated couples, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll conducted from March 21-25, 2024.

The survey showed that while 31% were against it and 17% remained undecided, this marks a 5% decline from the previous year’s surveys, with net agreement dropping to +19 considered 'moderately strong'.

Support for divorce legalization is highest among individuals in live-in relationships followed by residents of Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Religiously, other Christian denominations (+21), Roman Catholics (+20) and Muslims (+11) showed stronger support compared to Iglesia ni Cristo who had a 'moderately weak' stance against it (-10).

The SWS conducted the survey among 1,500 adults across various regions in the Philippines.

This poll was completed more than a month before the House of Representatives approved the Absolute Divorce bill on third and final reading on May 22, 2024.