Laity group: Enough remedies in place for 'on the rocks' couples

MANILA – A laity group on Monday said a divorce law is unnecessary as there are enough remedies for married couples who are experiencing hardships in their relationships.

In a statement, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (SLP) said it is pushing to further strengthen the people's knowledge of the sanctity of marriage.

“We believe that there is a need for strong families, as such families are the backbone of Philippine society. We believe that the current remedies for struggling marriages are enough. We believe that we must strengthen the knowledge of the lay faithful regarding marriage, and other Catholic stands,” it said in a statement.

It also cited the need to "prepare couples before marriage" and support them throughout their married life.

The SLP urged the public to look at the damage done by divorce to families, which include suffering of children, multiple marriages, broken families and a "morally lacking society".

“We do not want that to happen to the Philippines. We stand for solid marriages. We stand for strong families. We stand for a society with good values,” it said.

The group also acknowledged the efforts of pro-family and pro-marriage advocates to oppose the divorce bill, which hurdled the House of Representatives last month.

“They have tried to sway public opinion, and social media has become a battleground in defending marriages and keeping families. Pro-marriage and pro-family advocates have been brave in defending positions, and informing the lay faithful about the realities if divorce ever becomes legal in the Philippines,” it said. (PNA)