I.

Introduction
 Debate Topic: Legalization of Divorce in the Philippines
 Motion: "This House shall move to amend the Family Code to allow divorce."
II. Proponents (For Legalization)

A. Opening Statement:
Today, we are called to discuss an issue that touches the very core of family, law, and human
dignity—the issue of divorce. As we know, the Philippines remains one of the very few
countries in the world where divorce is still not legally permitted, except for Muslim Filipinos
under specific laws. For the vast majority of our people, marriage remains a lifelong legal bond,
regardless of whether that union remains loving, safe, or sustainable.
Yet the reality is that not all marriages succeed. Many couples face irreconcilable differences,
deep conflicts, and situations of harm or dysfunction that make it impossible to continue their
marital relationship in a healthy and meaningful way. For these couples, there must be a legal
option—a humane, fair, and just pathway to end a marriage that no longer fulfills its purpose.
Legalizing divorce is not about breaking families apart; it is about providing a remedy for those
who have exhausted all means of reconciliation and deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives
in peace, dignity, and hope."

B. Arguments:
I rise to speak in favor of a long-overdue reform—the legalization of divorce in the
Philippines. In a nation that holds marriage sacred, we must also hold sacred the dignity, well-
being, and freedom of individuals trapped in broken, harmful, or irreparable marriages.
First, we must affirm the principle of individual autonomy. Every person has the right to make
choices about their own life and relationships. Marriage, while a commitment of love and
partnership, must not become a prison. When a marriage fails—when love, respect, and trust are
gone—individuals deserve the right to end that chapter and move forward with hope and dignity.
Denying legal divorce forces people to remain bound to relationships that no longer serve their
well-being, happiness, or growth.
Second, let us consider the social impact of legalizing divorce. Far from destroying families,
divorce offers a structured, legal process for resolving marital disputes, protecting the rights of
spouses and children, and ensuring fair outcomes. Most importantly, it provides a vital escape for
those suffering in abusive, violent, or toxic relationships. Without legal divorce, many victims—
especially women—are left vulnerable, unable to legally sever ties with their abusers, and forced
to endure suffering in silence.
Third, we must acknowledge the economic benefits that can result. Divorce can empower
individuals, particularly women, to pursue their own financial independence, access employment
opportunities, and build lives free from economic dependence on harmful partners. By removing
legal barriers that keep people trapped, we enable them to contribute productively to the
workforce and to society—strengthening not just their families, but the economy at large.
Finally, while it is true that alternatives like annulment and legal separation exist, we must be
honest about their limitations. These options are complex, expensive, and time-consuming,
often taking years to resolve and costing more than many families can afford. They are
inaccessible to ordinary Filipinos who lack the resources for lengthy court battles. Legalizing
divorce provides a clear, practical, and affordable legal remedy for those who cannot navigate
the labyrinth of annulment or separation.
In conclusion, legalizing divorce is not about undermining marriage; it is about recognizing that
not all marriages fulfill their promise. It is about respecting individual autonomy, protecting the
vulnerable, providing legal clarity, and fostering economic empowerment.
I urge this honorable parliament to consider the lived realities of countless Filipinos and to
support the passage of a law that will finally give them the choice, the freedom, and the justice
they deserve.
Thank you."
C. Addressing Counterarguments:
✅ Acknowledge potential concerns about the impact on children and families:
"We understand that some may worry about the effects of divorce on children and families. It’s
important to recognize that while divorce can be challenging, many children benefit from being
raised in environments free from conflict and hostility. With the right support systems in place,
families can adjust and thrive after separation."
✅ Address concerns about the impact on the sanctity of marriage:
"We also acknowledge concerns that allowing divorce may undermine the sanctity of marriage.
However, providing a legal avenue for ending irreparably broken marriages does not diminish
the value of the institution itself; rather, it ensures that marriage remains a union based on mutual
respect, love, and commitment—not obligation or suffering."
✅ Reiterate the benefits of providing a legal option for couples seeking to dissolve their
marriage:
"Ultimately, offering a legal option for couples to dissolve their marriage protects individuals
from being trapped in harmful or dysfunctional relationships. It provides a pathway for personal
growth, safety, and dignity while upholding fairness and justice within the legal system."
D. Conclusion:
✅ Reinforce the arguments for legalization, emphasizing the need for individual rights and
the potential benefits for individuals and society:
"Legalizing divorce is not merely about ending marriages—it is about upholding the
fundamental rights of individuals to make decisions for their own well-being. It offers an
essential legal remedy for those trapped in abusive, toxic, or irreparable unions, allowing them to
reclaim their dignity, safety, and freedom. Moreover, by providing a clear legal framework,
society benefits from reduced informal separations, better protection for children’s rights, and
stronger pathways for healing and rebuilding healthy family structures."
✅ Urge the parliament to support the motion and amend the Family Code to allow divorce:
"Therefore, we respectfully call on the honorable members of parliament to stand in support of
this motion and take a decisive step toward justice and compassion by amending the Family
Code to allow divorce. Let us align our laws with the realities faced by many Filipino families
and uphold the principle that no one should be legally bound to a relationship that harms their
well-being."
III. Opponents (Against Legalization)

A. Opening Statement:
 Acknowledge the topic of divorce and its complexity.
 Highlight the societal and religious concerns associated with divorce.
B. Arguments:
irst, let us consider the impact on children. Numerous studies have shown that divorce can
negatively affect children’s emotional and psychological development. Children from broken
homes may experience feelings of insecurity, confusion, and abandonment. They may struggle
academically, socially, and emotionally as they adjust to the loss of a united family. We must ask
ourselves: are we prepared to accept the toll that divorce may take on the most vulnerable
members of our society?
Second, we must uphold the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is not merely a legal contract; it is a
sacred bond rooted in love, commitment, and faithfulness. To legalize divorce is to risk
undermining the very foundation of this sacred institution. We must preserve marriage as a
lifelong commitment, not a temporary arrangement that can be dissolved when difficulties arise.
Third, we must recognize the broader implications for social and family stability. The family is
the basic unit of society. If we weaken the family, we weaken the very fabric of our
communities. Legalizing divorce may lead to higher rates of family breakdown, leaving children
without stable homes and increasing the burden on social support systems. Stability in the family
creates stability in society; we cannot afford to jeopardize this.
Fourth, we must address the economic impact. Divorce often leads to financial hardship,
especially for women and children. Many women, who may have been financially dependent on
their husbands, find themselves struggling to provide for their families after separation. This
economic vulnerability can perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality, further disadvantaging
those who are already marginalized.
Moreover, we must remember that there are already alternatives to divorce available in our
legal system, such as annulment and legal separation. These provide remedies for those in
difficult marriages without undermining the permanence of the marital bond. We should
strengthen these existing legal pathways rather than introduce divorce, which carries its own
risks and consequences.
Lastly, we cannot ignore the religious concerns deeply held by many in our country. For many
faith communities, marriage is a divine covenant, and divorce is seen as contrary to religious
teachings. Legalizing divorce would not only go against these beliefs but could also create moral
confusion in a nation where religion plays a central role in guiding personal and social life.
In conclusion, while I respect the intentions behind this proposal, I urge this parliament to weigh
the long-term impacts carefully. Let us protect our children, uphold the sanctity of marriage,
preserve family stability, guard against economic hardship, and respect the religious values that
shape our nation.
For the good of families, for the good of society, and for the moral strength of our people, I stand
against the legalization of divorce.
C. Addressing Counterarguments:
"Honorable members of parliament, I recognize and respect the concerns raised by those who
support the legalization of divorce, particularly the argument for individual autonomy—the
right of every person to choose what is best for their own life and well-being. However, we must
remember that marriage is not solely an individual matter; it is a social institution that forms the
very foundation of family and community. While individual rights are important, they must be
balanced with the greater good of the family and society. Weakening the permanence of
marriage risks weakening the stability that families provide, which in turn affects the stability of
society as a whole.
Some may also argue that divorce is necessary to protect individuals trapped in abusive or
harmful relationships. This is a valid concern, and one we cannot ignore. But rather than
turning immediately to divorce as a solution, we should focus on strengthening alternative
support mechanisms—such as providing better access to protective services, legal remedies like
annulment and legal separation, counseling programs, and shelters for victims of abuse. By
enhancing these supports, we can address situations of harm without dismantling the sanctity of
marriage for all.
Above all, I must once again emphasize the importance of upholding the sanctity of marriage.
Marriage is a sacred commitment, a covenant not only between two individuals but before God,
family, and society. Legalizing divorce risks transforming this sacred bond into a mere
contractual agreement that can be dissolved at will. We must resist this shift and preserve the
deep moral and spiritual meaning of marriage as a lifelong union.
Let us not be swayed by temporary solutions that may have lasting negative effects. Instead, let
us work together to strengthen families, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the values that have
long sustained our communities."

D. Conclusion:
I stand before you today to voice my deep concern regarding the proposal to legalize divorce in
our country. This is not merely a legal matter—it is a moral, social, and cultural issue that will
have profound and lasting effects on our families and society.
First and foremost, we must consider the impact of divorce on families. Divorce does not
simply dissolve a contract between two people; it fractures the very foundation of the family
unit. Children are the ones who suffer the most, often caught in the middle of conflicts they did
not choose. Studies have shown that children of divorced parents may experience emotional
distress, academic struggles, behavioral issues, and difficulty forming healthy relationships in the
future. Are we willing to subject our children to such instability in the name of personal
freedom?
Beyond the family, we must also weigh the impact of divorce on society. The family is the
basic building block of our communities. Strong families create strong societies; broken families
lead to social fragmentation. If we legalize divorce, we risk normalizing the dissolution of
marriage, weakening the commitment that holds families together, and fostering a culture where
lifelong commitment is devalued. In the long term, this can lead to increased social problems—
such as higher rates of poverty, juvenile delinquency, and mental health issues—placing a
heavier burden on government and social services.
I also stand here to advocate against the legalization of divorce because we already have
existing legal remedies. Annulment and legal separation provide pathways for individuals in
extremely difficult situations. While these processes may be challenging, they preserve the
principle that marriage is meant to be a lifelong union, not something to be easily dissolved.
Instead of introducing divorce, we should focus on strengthening marriage preparation,
counseling, and family support programs.
I therefore urge this honorable parliament to think carefully about the potential consequences of
legalizing divorce. Let us not be quick to follow the path of other countries without fully
considering how this will affect our unique cultural and religious values. Let us protect the
sanctity of marriage, the stability of our families, and the moral foundation of our nation.
In the end, a society that upholds marriage and family is a society that remains strong, united,
and resilient. Let us choose the path of preservation, not dissolution.
Thank you."
IV. Parliamentary Procedures
1. Motion: A member proposes the motion to legalize divorce.
2. Debate: Members speak for and against the motion, presenting their arguments and
addressing counterarguments.
3. Points of Order: Members can raise points of order to ensure that debates follow the
rules.
4. Quorum: Ensure that the required number of members are present to conduct the debate
and vote.
5. Voting: The parliament votes on the motion, either by voice vote or by secret ballot.
6. Decision: The motion is either approved or rejected based on the vote.
V. Possible Outcomes
 Approval:
If the motion is approved, the Family Code would be amended to allow divorce.
Under the Family Code of the Philippines, marriage is recognized as a special contract of
permanent union between a man and a woman, entered into in accordance with law for the
establishment of conjugal and family life. It is not simply a contract that can be broken at will; it
is a permanent commitment grounded in love, fidelity, and mutual responsibility. By legalizing
divorce, we risk undermining the very principle enshrined in our Family Code—that marriage is
meant to be a lasting bond, not one that can be dissolved when challenges arise.
We must seriously consider the impact of divorce on families and society. Divorce breaks apart
the fundamental unit of society—the family. Children are often the silent victims, suffering
emotional, psychological, and social consequences that may last a lifetime. Studies have shown
that children from broken homes face higher risks of academic failure, behavioral problems, and
difficulties forming stable relationships in adulthood. If we legalize divorce, we open the door to
a future where more families are fragmented, more children grow up without the security of an
intact home, and more communities bear the weight of broken relationships.
We cannot ignore the social consequences. Marriage fosters stability, responsibility, and social
order. Weakening marriage through the legalization of divorce risks weakening these values. It
sends the message that marriage is temporary and disposable, undermining the commitment that
holds couples and families together.
Furthermore, we already have existing remedies under the Family Code—annulment and legal
separation. While these may be difficult processes, they uphold the principle that marriage
should not be ended lightly. Instead of introducing divorce, let us strengthen these legal
remedies, improve access to counseling, and invest in programs that help couples resolve
conflicts and keep families intact.
I therefore urge this honorable parliament to consider carefully the potential consequences of
amending the Family Code to allow divorce. Let us stand firm in protecting the sanctity of
marriage, the stability of the family, and the moral fabric of our society. Let us not follow the
path of other nations blindly, but chart a course that honors our unique values, culture, and faith.
In preserving the integrity of marriage, we preserve the strength of our nation.
Thank you."

 Rejection:
If the motion is rejected, the current legal status of divorce would remain unchanged.
VI. Considerations for the Debate
 Respectful Dialogue: Encourage respectful dialogue and consideration of all viewpoints.
 Evidence-Based Arguments: Encourage the use of evidence-based arguments and data
to support claims.
 Impact on Children:
o Emotional and Behavioral Problems: Children of divorced parents are at a
higher risk of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Studies by the
American Psychological Association (APA) indicate that children from divorced
families often struggle emotionally and socially.
o Academic and Social Struggles: According to the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), children of divorced parents tend to experience lower academic
performance and have greater difficulty forming stable relationships.
o Long-Term Effects: Research has shown that children of divorced parents are
more likely to experience divorce in their own marriages, perpetuating a cycle
of instability in future generations.
 Social Impact:
o Decreased Social Stability: The Journal of Marriage and Family published
studies showing that stable marriages contribute to lower crime rates and
stronger community bonds. Legalizing divorce may destabilize these societal
benefits.
 o Increased Social Problems: Legalizing divorce could lead to an increase in
poverty, juvenile delinquency, and reliance on social welfare, as families
become more fragmented and less economically stable.
o Normalization of Marriage Dissolution: Legalizing divorce might send the
message that marriage is disposable and not a lifelong commitment, leading to
an erosion of societal values regarding family stability.
 Economic Impact:
o Financial Hardship for Women and Children: According to the Institute for
Family Studies, women are more likely to experience a decline in their
standard of living after a divorce, especially if they were primary caregivers and
out of the workforce.
o Increased Poverty and Welfare Dependency: Divorce can lead to financial
instability, particularly for women and children. Studies show that divorced
women often face poverty and housing instability, while children experience a
reduction in household income.
o Strain on National Resources: Increased divorce rates could place an additional
burden on social services and government welfare, as more individuals may
need financial assistance post-divorce.
 Existing Alternatives in the Family Code:
o Annulment and Legal Separation: The Family Code of the Philippines
already provides remedies like annulment and legal separation, which, while
challenging, offer legal routes for those who wish to end a marriage.
o Complexity and Cost of Divorce Alternatives: While annulment and legal
separation are expensive and time-consuming, they offer a legal process that
ensures marriage dissolution is taken seriously, preventing the casual dissolution
of a marriage.