QUEZON CITY – In a recent pastoral statement, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, led by Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco, reaffirmed its unwavering opposition to the proposed divorce bill being discussed in the Philippine legislature. Released on June 26, 2024, the statement underscores the sanctity of marriage and urges the faithful to contemplate the profound consequences of legalizing divorce.
“To allow the dissolution of a valid marriage is to rob us of an image of absolute love that values each person regardless of our own mistakes and shortcomings,” Bishop Ongtioco declared.
Bishop Ongtioco’s message emphasizes marriage as a sacrament with significant spiritual and social importance, highlighting its theological foundations and the unbreakable bond it symbolizes. “To allow divorce is to remove this image of love which reminds us that we are loved beyond measure based on who we are and not because we need to prove we are lovable,” he added.
The pastoral statement also addresses the negative impact of divorce on families, particularly children, referencing research on the challenges faced by children of divorced parents. “We have to be wary of the effects of divorce on the family. Research has shown that divorce has an adverse effect on a child’s educational performance and reduces the time, energy, and financial resources available for parenting,” the bishop cited.
He further emphasized the severity of the impact, stating, “Children of divorced parents suffer more than children who experienced a parental death.”
Moreover, the statement clarifies that the Church has never supported spousal abuse and advocates for legal separation in dangerous situations. “In cases where there is danger of harm, there is always the option of legal separation and annulment,” it states.
Bishop Ongtioco also highlighted the Church’s efforts to support victims of abusive marriages. “We have religious congregations that support women in such cases. Let me affirm that preserving the sanctity of marriage as an institution is as important as ensuring the welfare of all people, especially those abused.”
The statement challenges the notion of multiple chances at love through divorce, pointing out that “in the United States, 60% of second marriages end in divorce, while 73% of third marriages suffer the same fate. Rather than offering another chance at love, divorce in effect opens people to more pain. Divorce sends the signal that fulfillment and happiness are hinged on our human relationships and not on a deeper relationship with God, who loves us unconditionally.”
Rejecting the argument that the Philippines is outdated for not allowing divorce, the statement cites moral principles and asserts that the merit of a measure is not determined by majority practice but by its alignment with the Absolute Good, God.
The Diocese of Cubao calls on the faithful to voice their opposition to the divorce bill and pray for the enlightenment of lawmakers, stressing the potential harm the bill could cause to the moral fabric of society and the welfare of Filipino families.