March 10, 2013

HON. SENATOR JUAN PONCE ENRILE Senate President Rm. 606 6th Flr., GSIS Bldg., Financial Center, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

Dear Hon. Senator Enrile,

In the past years of our development as a country, we have always been loyal and centered to our families a trait which identifies us Filipinos. They have been one of most vital factors in improving our community, and our country. Our values as children depend on how we grow in our families, and will eventually dictate how we will act as members of the society. However, many ideas have become existent in our country today, and we have heard that a proposal has been made regarding the allowance of divorce in our country. In response to this situation, we would like to respectfully explain why we disagree with such a proposal and the possible implications that may occur if this law will materialize. Firstly, it is not what God wants for our people. Our country is one of the countries in Asia with the highest percentage of predominant Roman Catholics. With this, many of our countrymen believe in God and His will. God has given so much love for us and sacrificed so much for us. As said in Romans 5:8, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Even though we have committed so much misdeeds and wrongdoings in our journey, God still chose to believe in our will to change for the better. Corinthians 13:4-5 reads: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Nowadays, there are marriages have become economically centered. However, in true marriage, the couple shares their love for one another and this unconditional, sincere love is what God wants us to have. Furthermore, it will not solve or remove domestic problems or problems which happen in the household. This is due to the very nature of divorce: which is to make a married couple become separate and render the marriage null and void. It will not provide money for financial problems, nor will it help rivaling siblings become at peace with each other. In fact, based from my opinion, divorce is the very thing that will destroy the dignity of the home, where our personality and ideologies develop as we grow and learn more. Without a complete family to support us, we will tend to have insecurities about ourselves and become unsatisfied with the world that we live in.

Lastly, it will increase the peoples immorality and cases of marital infidelity. If this law is passed and divorce will become legal, it will give a message to our countrymen of a broken family being normal; that a divorce is normal. This implies that anyone can marry and get out of that marriage if they want, which defeats its very purpose. From these assumptions, individuals will start disregarding morals when it comes to choosing a partner. Furthermore, with the legality of divorce being existent, the concept of premarital sex being bad will start fading out. If divorce is legal, an individual may marry again after the separation, which implies that that person will have intercourse with more than one person. This means serious problems in STDs and if applicable, the legitimacy of children which have a common father and different mothers, and vice versa. It should be reiterated, in this case, that marriage is a lifelong decision which should be given tremendous consideration. Our morals and values should not be sacrificed for a better economy. However bad our situation may be as a country, we should stay morally at peace and hardworking to achieve what we want. Instead of passing divorce in this law, other aspects in our countrys society should be given focus on in order to help our nation become better and develop into a country with potential to become great. Our government should start with improving the basic needs of the community so it may grow. Our education, if given more attention, will empower our youth in creating change and contributing to our society. More livelihood programs will help give economic and financial progress to our barangays. Improved healthcare will ensure that everyone will be taken care of, no matter what their social standing may be. In family problems, counseling programs may be implemented in order to assure a stronger sense of relationship in the nuclear family, and avoid problems like infidelity. Divorce is not necessary in our country just because more and more couples are not satisfied with their relationship. We should instill values in our families to ensure that a bright future will the future generations which will come after our own, and preserve the dignity of the Filipino family.

Respectfully,

Nikko Angelo S. Carisma Sophomore - E DLSZ Student