MANILA — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has taken a firm stance against the passage of the absolute divorce bill, citing the potential harm it could cause to Filipino families, particularly children.
In a letter released on Monday (July 1, 2024), Palma urged Cebuanos to oppose the bill and emphasized that divorce is not the solution for broken and irreparable marriages. He argued that a declaration of nullity is sufficient in addressing troubled marriages.
Palma called on all faithful members of the Archdiocese of Cebu to unite in rejecting divorce, warning about its potential damage not only to Catholics but also as a threat to national values.
As a leader of 4.8 million Catholics in the province and three highly urbanized cities, Palma expressed concern that divorce may bring more harm, particularly affecting children from divorced families. He cautioned that divorce would redefine marriage by removing its permanent character and highlighted studies showing how children are most affected by divorces.
These sentiments were further amplified as his letter was displayed on tarpaulins at the entrances of Roman Catholic churches throughout the province.
The Philippines currently does not allow divorce except within Vatican City. Although approved by the House of Representatives, this measure is still pending in the Senate.
(el Amigo/mnm)