The Long Fight to Legalize Divorce In the Philippines.

The article focuses on the ongoing debate and challenges surrounding the legalization of absolute divorce in the Philippines, one of only two countries worldwide, alongside the Vatican, that outlaws divorce. It highlights the personal story of Haidee Dela Guerra, whose petition to annul her abusive marriage was denied, illustrating the legal and social barriers faced by Filipinos seeking to end marriages under the country's strict Family Code. Despite strong opposition from Catholic groups and conservative lawmakers, advocates like the Divorce Pilipinas Coalition continue to lobby for divorce legislation, with several bills pending in the House of Representatives as of 2025. The article also discusses the historical, cultural, and religious factors influencing the issue, as well as the political complexities involved in passing divorce laws in the predominantly Catholic nation.