Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
BESIDES my continuing incredulity at how divorce remains a controversial issue in the Philippines and is largely unavailable to the vast majority, I would like to add my views while not repeating the excellent views set forth in this paper's editorial of June 2 and elsewhere, and not bothering to rebut the tired arguments that the god-squad columnists of this paper and other publications repeatedly make. I give them the benefit that they are sincerely held views that they fervently believe in. I hope they give those on my side, which is similar to everyone in the world outside of the Philippines, and it seems at least half of the country, the same goodwill and benefit.
I hope we finally join every other country (except the Vatican) in allowing divorce for all who want it. I will not argue for it using the many fine arguments others have made, and I endorse but use one I have not seen argued elsewhere. This is the equal protection clause in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution which is based on that in the US Constitution. Section 1 of Article 3 provides, "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws." This mandates that individuals in similar situations be treated equally by the law. In other words, if killing someone with no justifiable reason is prohibited and punished by law, then it should apply to all, not some can kill and others cannot. All cannot kill another without a justifiable reason like self-defense or being in defense of the nation such as being a soldier. Same thing with freedom of speech. All have it and it is not to protect popular speech but all, especially those we don't agree with. Unless libelous, and so on.
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