Even after his annulment, Chiz still a no-go on divorce

“What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”

 

At least, not by divorce as far as Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero III is concerned. Even after his marriage to Christine Elizabeth Flores was annulled, Escudero is still against legalizing divorce in the Philippines.  

 

Escudero said that annulment and legal separation provides enough options for couples who wish to end their marriage.

 

“I’d rather the present laws on annulment be more accessible and affordable,” the senator told reporters on Thursday.

 

Based on the 2000 Census of Population and Housing, of the 57.1 million Filipinos aged ten years and over, one percent or 558,023 were either divorced or separated.  

Escudero confirmed his annulment in a television talk show on Monday. He, however, refused to talk further about his relationship with Flores.

 

No divorce bill is currently pending at the Senate. The House version of the measure is still at the committee level, but the House leadership expressed intention to prioritize it. 

 

The Philippines, whose population is predominantly Roman Catholic, is the only country in the world that has not legalized divorce.

 

Not perfect

 

Escudero’s own failed marriage seems to be the epitome of an amicable annulment.

 

Escudero said that he is friends with his former wife, but admitted that their current relationship “is not perfect.”

 

“We decided to set aside whatever differences that is bothering us. Ang importante ‘yung mga bata,” he said.

 

The senator also confirmed that he is currently taking care of his two children with Flores. He added that the custody of their kids is not an issue between him and his former partner.

 

“She can see them whenever she wants to. She can be with them whenever she wants to,” he said.

 

He however said that he is still in the process of healing, and is just keeping himself busy with his legislative duties to cope with the annulment. — DVM, GMA News