Sotto nixes divorce bill

The prospects of legalizing divorce in the Philippines remain nil in the Senate even after the change in its leadership.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III maintained that it is not likely that the Upper Chamber will move for a divorce, bill especially after President Duterte had thumbed down the proposal already approved by the House of Representatives.

"Let's put it this way, let's be practical. The President is not in favor, the House passed a divorce law. Even if the Senate passes a divorce law, the Presi- dent might veto it, and most probably will veto," Sotto said in a television interview.

Sotto, a devout Catholic, is known for his conservative stance on marriage and family.

"Yes," he reiterated when asked if he does not favor divorce.

Sotto added its approval may violate the Constitution.

"Someone may bring it to Supreme Court, and declare it unconstitutional. Because if you look at the Constitution, I think it is very clear that family is important and you cannot legislate divorce," he said.

Article 15 of the 1987 Constitution "recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation."

It also stipulated that "Marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be protected by the State."