Proposed 10-year expiry on marriage causes stir

MANILA, Philippines – The proposal of a women’s party-list group for a 10-year expiry on marriage has caused quite a stir, with various groups indicating their approval or disapproval of the proposal via the Internet and other media.

“While some people call our group absurd and ridiculous, others approve and support our advocacy. We are not out to destroy marriage. In fact, our proposal is to strengthen it,” said Margie Tajon, president of the 1-Babae Astig Aasenso (1-ABAA) party-list group.

Tajon said a day after a story on their proposal was published in The STAR, their group has received various requests for interviews by print and television media.

In her interview yesterday over Mornings at ANC, Tajon said a 10-year expiry date on marriage would allow a couple to reassess the status of their relationship and would make both parties careful in offending each other if they want the marriage to last.

She said even happily married couples support the proposal, in consideration of incompatible pairs who have to undergo a tedious and lengthy process before their marriage is annulled.

Tajon said statistics at the Solicitor General’s office showed that in 2008, there were 8,000 annulment cases reported, excluding those still being deliberated in courts.

“Marriage annulment cases are clogging up our courts and we have to find a means to address the problem,” she said.   – Perseus Echeminada, Philippine Star