The House of Representatives made a significant move on Wednesday, advancing a bill that reintroduces absolute divorce in the country. The bill, known as the proposed Absolute Divorce Act or House Bill (HB) 9349, sailed through the second reading with approval through voice voting.
Outlined in the bill are various grounds for absolute divorce, including psychological incapacity, irreconcilable differences, domestic or marital abuse, and situations where one spouse undergoes sex reassignment surgery or transitions genders, as well as separation lasting at least five years. Moreover, the bill aligns the grounds for absolute divorce with those for legal separation under the Family Code of the Philippines.
Furthermore, the House also greenlit HB 10079, which seeks to revoke Republic Act 7392, also known as the “Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992,” during its third and final reading. The proposal garnered unanimous support, with 186 lawmakers voting in favor.
HB 10079 aims to enhance the midwifery curriculum from its current two-year duration to a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science Degree. This expansion is intended to better equip midwives to provide top-notch healthcare services, meeting international standards in midwifery practice. Additionally, extending the curriculum to four years will enable midwives in government service to qualify for higher positions, recognized as professionals under the Civil Service Commission Guidelines.
Kabayan Party-list Representative Ron P. Salo, one of the bill’s authors, emphasized that the legislation aims to establish clear guidelines and standards for midwifery education and practices, ultimately ensuring the delivery of high-quality maternal care nationwide.
Salo underscored that the approval of this crucial act underscores a commitment to the well-being of mothers and infants, positioning midwives as vital contributors to the healthcare landscape. He highlighted that the proposed measure not only strengthens the role of midwives in the healthcare system but also promotes optimal health outcomes for mothers and their babies.
