Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 16) — Presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao will not allow divorce to be legalized in the country if he becomes president.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the senator argued that marriage is “sacred,” citing the Bible.
“Sabi nga sa [According to the] Bible what has God joined together, let man not separate. Sacred kasi ‘yang pag-aasawa. Kaya nga may counseling muna bago ka mag-asawa dahil papasok kayo sa isang lifetime commitment [Marriage is sacred. There is counseling before marriage because you are entering into a lifetime commitment],” he said while in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Pacquiao said while he will not stop legislators from passing a bill pushing for divorce, he will still not support its passage.
Advocates have been pushing for the passage of a divorce bill – which is pending in both houses of Congress – due to cases of abuse in marriages, among other factors. But the measure has been widely opposed by religious groups.
Pacquiao is known for his conservative stance on issues given his background as a “born again” Christian pastor.
The Philippines and the Vatican are the only territories in the world left where divorce is illegal.
