A leading Catholic bishop has warned politicians that “divorce weakens the fabric of society” as the Philippines moved closer to legalising divorce.

“I urge members of Congress to reconsider the proposed divorce bill and instead focus on promoting policies and programs that support marriage, strengthen families, and protect the well-being of all members of society,” said Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran of the central Philippines, in an interview with Catholic-run Radio Veritas.

The bishop said a “society that values strong, stable families is a thriving society”.

“Divorce weakens the fabric of society by eroding the foundation of the family unit. It leads to social fragmentation, increased poverty, and a host of other societal ills. By promoting divorce, we are contributing to the breakdown of social cohesion and the erosion of moral values,” Uy said.

Among the grounds for divorce will be an already existing legal separation. That can be based on various fault grounds including abandonment without cause by a spouse for more than one year.

Divorce had been legalised in the Philippines in 1917 under the American occupation. The grounds were expanded under the Japanese occupation during World War II. This was rescinded soon after the country became independent. In 1977, a law recognising some Islamic practices allowed muslims to divorce. This also allowed ‘early marriages’ or ‘child marriages’ which allowed girls who had reached puberty to marry with the permission of a Sharia court. This latter element was not reversed until 2021 under legislation signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.