Coalition of Catholic family, life advocates formed vs divorce bill

Catholic family and life advocates, including religious groups, formed a coalition to urge lawmakers to dismiss House Bill 9349 or the Absolute Divorce Bill.

Organized by the Diocese of Novaliches’ Family and Life Commission, the Super Coalition Against Divorce (SCAD) is described as a “diverse group that aims to voice their collective concerns about the potential implications of divorce on Filipino families and society at large.” 

Among the 40 lay members composing SCAD are the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, Couples for Christ, Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines Inc., Live Christ, Share Christ, and Novaliches Ecumenical Fellowship.

The coalition on Monday said divorce violates the sanctity and nature of marriage, damages the family, degrades the marital commitment and violates the Philippine Constitution.

Instead of passing the bill, the coalition will urge lawmakers to “engage in a broader dialogue with all stakeholders to find more holistic and culturally appropriate solutions to marital issues.”

SCAD said it will raise awareness and express its opposition to the divorce bill across the country through a series of forums, prayer rallies, and educational campaigns.

Last May 22, the House of Representatives approved on final reading the Absolute Divorce Bill with 131 lawmakers voting in favor. 

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) stood its ground against the approval of a divorce law in the country, saying that it is “anti-family, anti-marriage and anti-children.”  — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News