Legal Gaps and Human Rights: Examining Marital Dissolution in the Philippines in Light of International Human Rights Law

In the Philippines, marriage is legally regarded as an inviolable social institution and a permanent union, shaping a restrictive framework for marital dissolution under the Family Code (Executive Order No. 209). This study examined the statutory framework governing the declaration of absolute nullity, annulment, and legal separation, assessing its alignment with the Philippines’ obligations under international human rights treaties, particularly the ICCPR, CEDAW, and UNCRC. It further explored the socio-legal consequences of existing dissolution mechanisms and the various institutional insights on the continued absence of divorce legislation. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach complemented by content analysis, the study analyzed lived experiences, institutional perspectives, legal and academic texts, and international human rights instruments through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that financial and procedural barriers severely limited access to legal remedies, disproportionately forcing lower and middle-income individuals into informal separation. Furthermore, religious institutions significantly shaped moral norms and public attitudes, heavily influencing policy discourse. Ultimately, the study concluded that the framework remained misaligned with international human rights standards.

marital dissolution, annulment, absolute nullity, legal separation, international human rights treaties, divorce, human rights, political institutions, religious institutions, Philippines

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