The Philippines, like the Vatican, is the only country where divorce is not legally recognized. This may soon change, as House Bill (HB) 9349, often known as the proposed Absolute Divorce Act, has been passed and is on its way to a final reading. Photo by Abet Llacer On its third and final reading, the House of Representatives approved HB 9349 with 126 votes in favor, 109 opposed, and 20 abstained. This ratification comes only two months after the bill was referred by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations. The proposed Divorce law under the Absolute Divorce Act defines several reasons for absolute divorce, including: Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner; Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to change religious or political affiliation; Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner, to engage in pros...