Encouraging news for some.....
"In addition to the freedom of information (FOI) and reproductive health (RH) bills, the House of Representatives will also prioritize the divorce bill when sessions resume on July 23.
"I mentioned the divorce bill because that is a very important social bill at this time but we will give it our best shot," Feliciano Belmonte Jr. told reporters Wednesday night.
"I myself am in favor of it, especially that I'm already widowed. Well, anyway, yes I think we have to put those on the agenda," he added.
In July of 2010, Gabriela party-list Representatives Luzviminda Ilagan and Emmi de Jesus filed a House bill introducing divorce in the Philippines. It is pending in the House committee on revision of laws.
Ilagan said earlier that while the divorce bill may not be acceptable to the Catholic Church, it is a much needed measure for many women as well as men trapped in violent, abusive and irreparable marriages.
At least two House leaders, however, expressed opposition against the divorce bill at this early stage.
Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla, for one, said "we should just make annulment easier and less expensive first before divorce is passed."
Cavite Representative Joseph Emilio Abaya, for his part, said that he will not support the measure because of faith and upbringing.
"I'm sure when the Speaker says priority, he most likely means priority in debates not necessary passage," he added.
Meanwhile, Belmonte vowed that both the RH and FOI bills will reach voting for third reading approval in the third regular session.
Earlier, House committee on public information chairman Ben Evardone said that the FOI bill will be in the front burner after the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)"
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-n...ty-list-225643
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/06...d-divorce-bill
