sunken garden

I was leafing through the application document for Report of Marriage.   I had a similar document from the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco and NOT surprisingly, the Consulate in LA had a different form AND different requirements.  Hmm.

What was surprising though was the following text:

In general, divorces between Filipinos are not honored, wherever the decree isobtained. However, in the case of mixed marriages e.g. between Filipinos andforeigners, Philippine law would allow a divorced Filipino to re‑marry, if the alienspouse initiated the divorce proceedings.

Does this sound fair?  It struck me as unfair yet on the otherhand, as a Filipino you are still bound to follow the laws of your mother country regardless of where you are.   In that regard, it does seem only fair if you need to follow the same laws as any other Filipino.  But what about in situations of marital abuse?  You’re throwing out a second chance at marriage if you’re the Filipino seeking divorce of your present marriage.  ”You can beat the crap out of me but can you file divorce in case I want to marry again?!?!” Did Rustom and Carmina deal with this?!?! (Showbiz!!)

But then again, marital abuse is pervasive in the Philippines yet divorce law is repeatedly thrown out of the legislative windows.   What’s the likelihood of it ever being allowed in the Philippines?  Pag puti na ang uwak.