ALFI Chairperson, Rosie B. Luistro was recently requested for a written interview by ABC News to discuss the organization’s stance on the controversial issue of divorce in the Philippines. In the interview, ABC News’s Max Walden posed several questions to Rosie B. Luistro, who provided detailed and thoughtful responses on behalf of ALFI.
Here’s the full Q&A:
1. What is the Alliance for the Family Foundation’s position on divorce in the Philippines?
The Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ALFI), a multi-sectoral organization committed to preserve and restore Filipino family values, vehemently opposes proposed legislation that would introduce Divorce in the Philippines.
We believe divorce promotes a mentality that encourages the breakdown of marriages. A divorce law will encourage petitions for divorce, damage irrevocably the institution of marriage and cause disastrous consequences on the family and society.
2. How important is marriage for shaping society in the Philippines and other Catholic-majority societies?
We are very proud to be Filipinos and we uphold strong family values. How can Filipinos, known for gentleness of character and respectful ways, be insensitive and uncaring when it comes to the marriage bond?
We may sympathize with individuals trapped in dehumanizing marriages, and no one disputes that legal recourse must be available to them. Nevertheless, true compassion lies in supporting marriage and the dreams of the youth for secure, lifelong commitments. The instability introduced into society by the legislation of divorce is something we would all lament as it weakens the institution of marriage for the sake of a few.
The vast majority (at least 80%) of Filipino citizens who are Catholics and other catholic-majority societies believe that divorce challenges their religious beliefs and should not let secular politics snag moral advocacy.
The “sliding slope” phenomenon – where the divorce mentality creeps into society and threatens the stability of marriage and family life – is inevitable in a society that allows divorce.
3. While divorce is prohibited for adherents of Catholicism within their faith, why does this need to shape civil law in the Philippines?
Most laws derive from a moral stance and both Church and State have responsibilities towards the moral well-being of individuals. Church and State should consolidate their efforts to protect the Filipino home and family.
Our pro-family, pro-marriage constitution which was ratified in 1987, captures the spirit and value held dear by the Filipino culture. Divorce is an antithesis to strong and stable marriage so to allow it would be a disservice to the pre-eminent value we give to Family and Marriage.
Common good should command greater priority and should not be compromised even as we resolve the dire situation of irremediable relationships in a marriage.
Divorce is wrong for all people, of all times and of all places. The theological and moral issues against divorce relate directly to people and the impact to the State, and are therefore relevant not only to Catholics but to all citizens.
The Catholic Church’s teachings and the Philippine Constitution share the same stand on marriage – that of reaching a common goal for the good of society, that of protecting values and that of preserving the sanctity of marriage and family life.
You can read the full published article here.