MANILA — The House of Representatives approved the divorce bill on its third and final reading on Wednesday, May 22.

During the last day of the 19th Congress’ second regular session, House Bill No. 9349, also known as the Absolute Divorce Act, was passed with 126 votes in favor, 109 against, and 20 abstentions.

The bill aims to introduce another legal option for couples looking to dissolve their marriages, supplementing the current choices of legal separation, annulment, and nullity of marriage.

The bill’s approval came two months after it was referred to the plenary by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations. It was passed on second reading a week later.

CIBAC party-list voted against the bill

In a media statement released Wednesday afternoon, CIBAC party-list Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva voiced his disappointment and concern following the final approval by the House of Representatives of House Bill 9349, also known as the absolute divorce bill.

Congressman Villanueva asserted that the CIBAC party-list put forth a strong effort in opposing the measure, expressing hope for divine mercy upon our nation.

“Approving the bill simply means disregarding Malachi 2:16 in the Bible, which says that ‘God hates divorce’ and acting as if we know better than Him. We should have realized that annulment and legal separation exist to remedy problematic marriages without rebelling against God, insulting Him, and drawing the curses of disobeying Him. May God have mercy on our nation!” Rep. Bro. Eddie declared.

“We have explained and warned our colleagues of the ill effects of the measure; the accountability is now between them and God,” the CIBAC solon concluded.

📷 CIBAC party-list FB