'Yes to divorce' trends online after Moira Dela Torre-Jason Hernandez split
Calls to legalize divorce in the Philippines lit up social media once again shortly after news broke that Moira Dela Torre and Jason Hernandez are parting ways
The musician couple confirmed the news after Hernandez admitted that he had been unfaithful to his wife during their marriage.
"Though my love for her has always been genuine, a few months ago, I confessed to Moira that I have been unfaithful to her during our marriage," Jason wrote.
"I believe that she deserved to know the truth rather than continue down a 'peaceful' but dishonest path. I take full responsibility and I’m doing my best to be better."
Dela Torre then reshared Jason's statement via Instagram Stories. The couple has been married for three years.
The phrase "YES TO DIVORCE" has since soared to the top of Twitter trending topics, with netizens.
Some commented that the church's involvement has "halted so much social progress in this country" regarding the issue of divorce.
Marriages shouldn’t even have to be abusive for you to have the choice to leave it.
— Archie | (@chiechumacera) May 31, 2022
The Church has halted so much social progress in this country and it’s sickening.
YES TO DIVORCE!
Others also pointed out that not all marriages end in "happily ever after," hence the need for divorce.
Silently agreeing to yes to divorce. Not every marriage and relationships has its own happy ending. Happily ever after? Hey this is the reality. Not everyone who promised to stay together forever will stay together forever. Give those unhappy married couple a chance to love again
— 𝐋𝐞𝐢 ❀ (@DonBel_lei) May 31, 2022
Some have also pointed out that though divorce is not for everybody, it's ideal for those who have been abused and/or cheated on by their spouse.
"If [you're going to argue about love. LOVE IS NOT THERE ANYMORE!!," said Twitter user @Vante1314.
YES TO DIVORCE!!! if u don't want it then don't do it. It's for the ppl who got abused from their spouse, ppl who got cheated.. if u're going to argue about love. LOVE IS NOT THERE ANYMORE!!
— ♡| haha okay. (@Vante1314) May 31, 2022
Divorce is not MANDATORY people.. It's a choice ppl make.
On the other hand, some also expressed support to the status quo, saying annulment instead should be reformed.
No to Divorce. We would rather Choose Affordable and Faster Annulments than Divorce. We uphold Traditional Christian Values especially the Family.
— The Right Patriots PH (@RightPatriotsPH) June 1, 2022
The Facebook page of the Philippine Social Conservative Movement argued that "fallacies" are in play when generalizing men who cheat on their wives.
"If you will use these faces of failures as justification to push for divorce, think again," they wrote.
A lawyer also suggested an edit of Hernandez's statement to emphasize that the couple remains married despite the conflict.
"It is with a heavy heart that after 3 years of marriage, we announce that we ARE STILL MARRIED. Our love and respect for each other remain(s). We request (for) privacy during this difficult time," Ablan wrote.
"There’s no such thing as ‘parting of ways in our legal system. You are married, legally separated or not married (single, annulled or nullified)."
This wouldn't be the first time that a public separation has raised the call for divorce in the Philippines. Back in October of 2021, actress Kylie Padilla tweeted "#passdivorcebill" after a searing post by her former partner, Aljur Abrenica.
Only annulment is legal in the country, which differs from divorce. Divorce is a dissolution of a union, while in annulment, the marriage of a couple was valid at the start but may be revoked when certain grounds are proven.
Such grounds include psychological incapacity, fraud, force, and impotence, among others.
