House Approves Absolute Divorce Bill Amid Intense Debate
In a significant legislative move, the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand
Martin G. Romualdez, passed House Bill 9349, known as the “Absolute Divorce Act,” on its
third and final reading before the sine die adjournment. The bill garnered 131 affirmative
votes, 109 negative votes, and 20 abstentions.
House Bill 9349 aims to offer absolute divorce as a legal remedy for irreparable marriages,
focusing on reducing the emotional toll on children and allowing divorced individuals to
remarry. The bill details comprehensive guidelines for filing divorce petitions, including
grounds, procedures, and implications for custody, property division, and support. It also
incorporates reconciliation methods, fines, and community-based initiatives managed by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
In addition to the divorce bill, the House advanced House Bill 10439, the “Access to Medical
Cannabis Act,” to the second reading. Sponsored by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace
Barbers, this bill restricts medical cannabis access to prescriptions by accredited physicians
and establishes a regulatory framework under the Department of Health (DOH) for
cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and prescription for medical and research
purposes. Deputy Speaker Antonio Albano emphasized the importance of this legislation for
patients with conditions like epilepsy and cancer, advocating for their right to choose their
treatments.
Furthermore, the House approved House Bill 10466, the “Foreign Affairs Retirement
Benefits Act,” on the second reading. Sponsored by Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas,
the bill aims to provide retirement benefits to Foreign Affairs personnel.
These legislative actions mark significant steps in addressing complex social and medical
issues in the Philippines.
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