Priest says Duterte’s disapproval weakens controversial divorce bill

A Cebu priest remains hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte will stand by his decision not to support the divorce bill.

Fr. Eligio Suico, head of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Family and Life, said he was elated over the president’s disapproval of the bill which was co-authored by one of his most trusted allies.

“Nalipay pud ko kay dako man kaayo siyag ikatabang sa mga minyo,” he said in a phone interview.
(I am happy because it would encourage couples to stay married).

Duterte addressed his disapproval of the divorce bill to House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez during his speech at the Change of Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Quezon City, last Wednesday.

The President said that he is not supporting the bill because his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is not happy with the bill that Alvarez co-authored.

“I’m sorry but I cannot follow you. My daughter is not happy with that, really. Mag-usap na lang kayo ni Sara (Just talk to Sara),” Duterte told Alvarez.

Without Duterte’s support, Fr. Suico said the divorce bill won’t likely prosper.

“Hopeful man gyod ko nga dili mopasa ang divorce (bill) ngadto sa Senate,” Suico said. (I am hopeful the bill will not pass through the Senate).

The controversial bill was already approved by the House of the Representatives last March 19.

He said the Church is happy with the development but they are not letting their guards down.

Josua Satura, 22, saw sincerity over Duterte’s decision.

“I think Duterte is firm on his decision not to support the bill,” he said.

Satura who is also against divorce to be implemented in the country, said it would only become an easy way out for married couples and it will have a negative effect on their children.

Jasmine Juarez, 32, who has been married for almost five years, said Duterte’s decision is not yet final.

She is openly supporting the bill to be passed.

“If you are no longer happy with each other and there is already physical abuse, it is better to have divorce,” Juarez said in Cebuano.

But Fr. Suico said there are still other ways for unhappy couples to resolve their differences and start again.

He said couples can ask the help of marriage counselors in their parishes.

“Kon naa tong divorce, ang tawo maguba sab iyang panan-aw sa gugma. Mao nga mawala gyod ang iyang kalipay,” he said. (Divorce can change a person’s views on love. This could cause his unhappiness).