The fight to legalise divorce in the Philippines | 7.30

Summary

The transcript highlights the struggles of Filipino women like Michelle Bulang and Maria Stella Sibonga, who seek freedom from abusive marriages in a country where divorce remains illegal. Despite enduring years of abuse, these women face significant legal and financial challenges in trying to annul their marriages. Advocates push for a historic divorce bill, hoping to change the law. While many Filipinos support this change, strong opposition from the Catholic Church remains. The debate centers around the balance between preserving marriage and protecting individuals from harm, reflecting deeper social and cultural tensions in the Philippines.

Takeaways

• 🍰 Michelle Bulang works hard, baking pies to provide for her daughters and demonstrate resilience.
• 🦅 She endured a decade of financial, mental, and physical abuse from her husband, who controlled her life and prohibited her from working.
• 💔 Michelle managed to escape the abusive relationship, but divorce remains illegal in the Philippines.
• 👩‍👧‍👧 Despite the struggles, she remains committed to her children, vowing not to let them suffer as she did in her childhood.
• ⚖️ Maria Stella Sibonga, another abuse survivor, has been battling for an annulment for over a decade but faced setbacks in court.
• 🔨 Divorce is a contentious issue in the Philippines, with a new bill being debated in Congress, offering hope for many trapped in abusive marriages.
• 🗳️ Polls show most Filipinos support legalizing divorce, and even President Ferdinand Marcos has expressed openness to the idea.
• ⛪ The Catholic Church strongly opposes divorce, arguing it weakens marriage and family commitment.
• ✋ Critics of the church's stance argue that banning divorce perpetuates violence and hinders practical issues like property ownership for separated individuals.
• 🌟 For women like Michelle, legalizing divorce represents the chance to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Q & A

What motivated Michelle Bulang to work hard as a baker?

Michelle Bulang works hard to provide for her daughters and to show them resilience after escaping an abusive marriage.

What kind of abuse did Michelle Bulang experience from her husband?

Michelle Bulang experienced financial, mental, and physical abuse from her husband. He controlled her finances, did not allow her to work, and frequently beat her and their children.

Why can Michelle not divorce her husband despite the abuse?

Michelle cannot divorce her husband because divorce is illegal in the Philippines.

What struggle did Maria Stella Sibonga face in her marriage?

Maria Stella Sibonga was pressured into marriage when she became pregnant at 18. She later suffered from abuse and attempted suicide due to the emotional and physical toll of the relationship.

Why was Maria Stella Sibonga’s annulment overturned?

Although Maria Stella Sibonga was initially granted an annulment, the decision was overturned by the Solicitor General, making it harder for her to move on from her abusive marriage.

What does the divorce bill in the Philippines aim to address?

The divorce bill aims to legalize divorce in the Philippines to allow individuals like Michelle Bulang and Maria Stella Sibonga to escape abusive marriages and rebuild their lives.

Who is pushing for the divorce bill to be passed in the House of Representatives?

Edel Lugman, a member of the House of Representatives, is advocating for the passage of the divorce bill before he retires in 2025.

Why is the Catholic Church opposed to the divorce bill?

The Catholic Church, representing 80% of the Filipino population, opposes the divorce bill because it believes marriage is a lifelong commitment, and divorce would weaken families and perpetuate cycles of violence.

What are some practical challenges faced by separated individuals due to the divorce ban in the Philippines?

Separated individuals face issues like difficulty buying property, needing their spouse's signature for transactions, and financial obligations like being blacklisted on credit due to their spouse’s actions.

What does Michelle Bulang hope to teach her daughters through her actions?

Michelle Bulang hopes to show her daughters that women have rights and should be able to choose their own paths in life, free from abuse and control.