TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre is stepping up efforts to engage with Church leaders, canon lawyers, and legal scholars in pushing for reforms to the country’s marriage laws, particularly through House Bill No. 10970, which seeks to expand the grounds for annulment and streamline the legal process.
Speaking at the 31st National Convention of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines (CLSP), Acidre emphasized the urgent need for legal changes that better reflect real-life marital challenges while ensuring justice and fairness in annulment proceedings. He stressed that his participation in the event was just one of many engagements he plans to undertake to seek broad-based support from faith-based institutions and legal experts.
Key Reforms Under House Bill No. 10970
• Expanded Grounds for Annulment and Legal Separation – The bill introduces new legal grounds, such as lack of maturity, deception, coercion, and fraudulent intent, which are currently not fully covered under civil law.
• Faster and More Affordable Annulment Process – Nullity cases will follow a summary procedure, ensuring quicker resolutions and lower costs for couples seeking legal remedies.
• Recognition of Church Annulments in Civil Law – The bill proposes that Church-declared nullities be legally recognized, reducing the need for duplicate proceedings in civil courts.
Bridging the Gap Between Civil and Church Law
Acidre noted the inconsistency between civil law and Church law on marriage nullity. While psychological immaturity is recognized as grounds for nullity in the Catholic Church, civil legislation does not provide the same consideration. Citing Pope Francis’ call for a more pastoral approach to annulments, Acidre argued that a Church with the authority to solemnize marriages should also have a recognized role in nullifying them under clear legal parameters.
Strengthening Marriage While Ensuring Justice
Dismissing concerns that the bill weakens the institution of marriage, Acidre asserted that the measure reinforces the integrity of marriage by ensuring that unions are entered into with full awareness, freedom, and responsibility.
“House Bill No. 10970 is not about making annulments easy—it’s about making them just. It provides legal remedies for those in untenable unions while safeguarding marriage for those who truly honor their vows,” Acidre explained.
As discussions on House Bill No. 10970 progress in Congress, Acidre reaffirmed his commitment to actively engaging with Church leaders, legal scholars, and faith-based communities in shaping a balanced and compassionate policy that respects both religious and legal principles.
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