"Studies show that children of broken families are inclined to have the same sad fate as that of their parents."
"Studies show that children of broken families are inclined to have the same sad fate as that of their parents."
A divisive issue that is currently the talk of the town is the House proposal to adopt divorce in the Philippines. The topic has divided the House itself into pros and cons.
Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza, a legislator who espouses pro-life, family values and the sanctity of marriage, as expected took the side against divorce.
“With the erosion of family values among the young, a law legalizing divorce is the last thing our society needs,” said Atienza. He said that while there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, couples should still work out their differences to preserve a sacrament that is the very foundation of families.
Atienza said that there are many women who now want to have divorce in the Philippines. These are probably battered women who are at the receiving end of abusive husbands who don’t provide financial support for their children. Every child should be looked at as a blessing and not as an extra burden, said Atienza
“Women who want divorce probably don’t realize that they are at the losing end if divorce is allowed in the Philippines.” He added that men who want to change partners whenever they want can easily do so under a divorce law.
“Man is polygamous by nature. A divorce can only make him practice polygamy albeit one at a time,” Atienza said, adding that this is happening in other parts of the world citing the merry-go-round of marriages among Hollywood stars.
But that also works both ways. Women can also look for other men who can excite them without waiting to be widows.
Atienza cited studies by sociologists that the children of broken families are inclined to have the same sad fate as that of their parents. This, if not succumb to a life of crime and corruption. He pointed out that there are many legal remedies in place to fix what some see as irreconcilable differences in marriages.
He also suggested regular family meetings, bonding and counseling from the parish priest. He said it is a sight to behold how some couples in their old age display their affection by holding hands in church and shopping malls.
Pro-divorce disciples point out that Italy, where the Vatican is the centerpiece of Catholicism, allows divorce. So why not in the Philippines?
To that, I say this. We do not need to copy other countries’ laws and legal systems. We had the distinction before of being the only Catholic country in Asia. Let us perpetuate this distinction.
If that sounds like moralizing from the pulpit, then I must be in the wrong profession. Thanks for the likes of Atienza who can do this without anyone pointing an accusing finger at him.
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Atienza said there are many other priority measures in the House that Congress should devote more time to instead of the divisive divorce bill. He cited how the House railroaded the trillion-peso national budget without giving time for debate and questions from the few opposition lawmakers that included him.
“As it is, the lower chamber can now be called the Department of Loyal House Members,” said Atienza, one of seven lawmakers who refused to keep silent on Malacañang-certified bills. The new budget includes additional funding for lawmakers who voted to pass it without scrutiny.
President Rodrigo Duterte and his acolytes in the House insist there are no pork barrel insertions in the new budget. While there is a strong aversion to eating pork these days because of the African Swine Fever affecting the local pig-raising industry, many congressmen welcome pork barrel in their district to ensure their reelection and perpetuate their political dynasties.
Such is the cycle of political life in this country. The entrenched politicians continue their dominance and rule over the masses while stifling the emergence of a new breed of public officials who can really provide meaningful change in society.
Will we see a real leader get elected in 2022, a president who will start a revolution from the top? If that sounds like harking back to the Marcos regime, then President Duterte did so himself when he said that “Marcos imposed martial law to save democracy.” His words, not mine.