House passes Absolute Divorce Act, allowing divorce under specified grounds

The House of Representatives has passed HB 9349, also known as the 'Absolute Divorce Act,' allowing Filipino couples in irreparably broken marriages to seek divorce under specified grounds including domestic violence and drug addiction.

Proponents argue that legalizing divorce would help protect victims of abusive relationships and reduce the lengthy and costly process of annulment. Critics fear it could undermine marriage, but supporters like Rep. Edcel Lagman maintain this addresses already dead marriages rather than destroying them.

The bill includes provisions to safeguard children's best interests, support women’s rights, and provide legal aid for petitioners. Key grounds include marital infidelity, drug addiction, habitual alcoholism, chronic gambling, and domestic violence.