Romulo files bill proposing physical and sexual violence as a ground for annulment

By Office of Cong. Roman T. Romulo
November 25, 2015

QUEZON CITY – Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo said the times call for the revision of the Family Code to include physical and sexual violence as a ground for annulment of marriage.

"Despite legislation aimed at eliminating violence against women and children, incidents of battery and sexual abuse seem to be increasing, many of these reportedly found inside the family home," he explained in a note in House Bill 6297 which was filed yesterday.

"Going through the provisions of the Family Code, incidents of physical violence are grounds for legal separation that does not dissolve the marriage bonds. It involves nothing more than bed-and-board separation of the spouses entitling the spouses to live separately from one another," Romulo filed the bill in time to mark "National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children" as mandated by Republic Act No. 10398.

In proposing the amendment, he pointed out that the "State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights," and "recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security."

Romulo also noted that Pope Francis himself said that it may be "morally necessary" for families to split up "when it's about shielding the weaker spouse or young children from the more serious wounds caused by intimidation and violence, humiliation and exploitation."

He said that victims of abusive marriages should be given another opportunity to remarry in order to recover and actually experience for themselves the sanctity and inviolability of marriage and family life as contemplated not only by the State, but also our faith.