Is Getting a Divorce Permitted in Every Country?

There are few places on Earth where divorce is illegal. In the Philippines, where Catholicism reigns, the Family Code doesn’t allow divorces, but it does allow legal separations and annulments, although the latter can be particularly pricey and difficult to obtain. One archbishop emeritus has said that the absence of divorce is “an honor that every Filipino should be proud of.” Others urge the Southeast Asian nation not to follow the example of “de-Christianized countries.” However, there are many in the Philippines, particularly women's rights advocates, who would like to see divorce legalized. In February 2020, the Philippines took a small step towards the legalization of divorce when a House of Representatives committee approved three measures that will be debated and discussed. In the end, President Rodrigo Duterte would have to approve a new law, and he’s come out firmly against it -- despite having had his own marriage annulled in 2000.

'Til death do us part:

• "Divorce is not a monster that will destroy marriages,” said legislator Edcel Lagman, as quoted by CNN Philippines. ”The monsters that lead to the demise of a marriage are infidelity, abuse, financial problems, lack of intimacy and communication, and inequality.”
• Vatican City is the only other country where you can’t get divorced. Catholicism has steadily lost the divorce battle since Italy legalized divorced in 1970.
• That doesn’t mean infidelity is banned. For example, former Filipino Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr., a popular film star turned politician, is said to have fathered 72 children by 16 different women, only one of whom was his wife.