A story published today by the Sun Star reports that a controversial divorce bill filed by
Philippine Senator Rodolfo Biazon is gaining the support from at least three of his
colleagues.
Senators Juan Flavier, Miriam Defensor Santiago and John Osmeņa are amenable to the
controversial measure that has long been a topic of heated debate in this predominantly
Catholic country.
Biazon expressed belief that it is unreasonable to force two people to live together if
the marriage is not working anymore.
"Let's give each person the opportunity to live a new life, a life that will help
him or her regain a life that will help both of them realize that there is a rainbow after
the storm. We must be realistic in facing the reality," said Biazon.
Senators who are not in favor of the divorce bill said its legalization may only lead
to marital abuses.
Senators Franklin Drilon, Gregorio Honasan, Serge Osmeņa, Vicente Sotto, Francisco
Tatad and Aquilino Pimentel have all vowed to block any measure legalizing the divorce
bill.
Expressing the same view are other senators who believe that the said measure will only
be used as a quick and easy road to separation, that will make children the innocent
victims to suffer tremendous pain.
Sen. Pimentel said the family, which is the basic unit of society, will suffer the
biggest blow once the bill is passed.
Sen. Honasan, in opposing the measure, said the integrity of marriage should be
preserved because it is one of the country's remaining institutions for our strongest
fundamental and political social unity.
He said senators are mandated to legislate a measure that will motivate married couples
to protect their marriage and not to adopt measures that will severe their ties.
Sen. Drilon, also reiterated that the law already provides legal separation and
annulment, a policy sufficient to be adopted by married couples.
Iran bans singles in amusement
parks
A story released today by Online.ie news reports that single Iranians have been banned
from going to amusement parks in an attempt to stop them flirting with one another.
A state newspaper claimed: "Youngsters are being banned from having fun".The
paper also adds that police have arrested male teenagers for flirting with single girls in
the parks.
Amusement parks in the capital, Tehran, are now open only to families.
