Perceptions and Attitudes of College Students on

Proposed Divorce Legislation in the Philippines

Antonio Levy S. Ingles, Jr.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4031-080X

Research Article

Keywords: Civil Divorce Legislation, College Students, Public Attitudes, Likert Scales, Customer Satisfaction,
Catholic Church, Family Law, Legislative Transparency, Support Systems

Posted Date: September 4th, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5012170/v1

License:   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full
License

Additional Declarations: The authors declare potential competing interests as follows: The author is affiliated
with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, which may have an interest in the research outcomes. This affiliation
could be perceived to influence the objectivity of the study. However, all efforts were made to ensure that the
research was conducted and reported impartially.

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Abstract
This study examines college students' perceptions of the proposed civil divorce legislation in the Philippines.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative data from Likert scale surveys and CSAT
questionnaires. Out of 148 distributed questionnaires, 72 were analyzed, capturing student attitudes from four
sections of the 'Marriage and Family Life' course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde during the third term of
2023–2024. Results show a generally positive perception of the legislation, with support for its alignment with
societal expectations (OGM: 3.67; CSAT: 63.2%) and effectiveness in addressing issues like marital distress
(OGM: 3.67; CSAT: 56.9%). However, moderate satisfaction and neutrality were noted regarding the legislative
process and support systems. Recommendations include improving transparency, stakeholder engagement, and
support services to enhance overall acceptance.

I. Introduction
The debate over legalizing civil divorce in the Philippines involves intricate legal, social, and moral considerations.
As the only country without such a law, the Philippines faces challenges in reconciling traditional family values
with modern societal needs. The Catholic Church, a major moral and cultural force, supports legislation that
serves the common good while respecting the legislative process. Responding to the Catholic Bishops'
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), which calls for public engagement on divorce legislation, this study
explores college students' perceptions and satisfaction with the proposed law. By addressing this gap, the
research aims to inform legislative decisions and advocacy efforts, aligning with the CBCP's call for informed
discourse and enhancing understanding of public sentiment. The study's findings contribute to societal
understanding by offering data-driven insights into public attitudes and highlight areas for legislative
improvement, ultimately supporting balanced policymaking and effective advocacy.

II. Literature Review

The debate surrounding divorce legislation in the Philippines is deeply intertwined with the nation's historical,
cultural, and religious contexts. As the last country in the world without a civil divorce law, the Philippines
presents a unique case study for examining the broader implications of such legislation. This study addresses a
significant gap in empirical research by focusing on college students' perceptions and satisfaction regarding the
proposed civil divorce legislation. By providing detailed data on public attitudes, this research aims to better
inform legislative processes and support effective advocacy efforts, thereby contributing to a more informed and
balanced discussion on the issue.

A. Historical Context of Divorce Legislation

The Philippines stands unique as the last nation without a civil divorce law, a status that has sparked
considerable debate within its socio-political landscape. The Philippines is notably conservative regarding
marriage laws. The Philippine Constitution enshrines several principles: (1) marriage is deemed an inviolable
social institution and the foundation of the family, deserving protection by the State; (2) the State acknowledges
the sanctity of family life, aiming to protect and strengthen the family as a fundamental social institution; and (3)
the State views the Filipino family as the cornerstone of the nation, with a mandate to enhance its solidarity and
promote its comprehensive development (Libarios, 2021). At the time of writing the present study, divorce is not
possible in the Vatican and for the majority of the population of the Philippines (Deogratias, 2019). Historical
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accounts trace the influence of Spanish colonial rule and Catholic doctrine, which have significantly shaped the
country's marital laws. The Philippines' strong Catholic influence has led some, particularly within the Catholic
hierarchy, to oppose divorce, viewing it as "anti-family," "anti-life," and as a form of "taboo" and "moral depravity"
(Agliam, Bongolto, Pobeda, Vega, & Vallespin, 2024). The Catholic lay organization Couples for Christ (CFC) has
called on the government to reject the divorce law proposals, labeling them as a reflection of human weakness.
CFC's manifesto urges leaders to focus on strengthening marriage and more effectively implement the Family
Code to foster a stable and law-abiding society (Ong, 2024). Executive Order No. 209, signed by President
Corazon Aquino in 1987, established the Family Code of the Philippines, which allows for annulments on grounds
such as lack of parental consent, insanity, fraud, coercion, impotence, and serious sexually transmitted diseases
present at the time of marriage (Agliam, Bongolto, Pobeda, Vega, & Vallespin, 2024).

B. Global Perspectives on Divorce

Globally, divorce legislation varies widely, reflecting diverse cultural, religious, and social contexts. The right to
initiate a divorce exists in all countries with the exception of the Philippines and the Vatican (Deogratias, 2019).
Research indicates that countries with accessible divorce laws tend to have higher rates of divorce but also
report greater individual autonomy and societal acceptance of diverse family structures (Anderson, 2017). This
contrasts with the conservative stance in predominantly Catholic countries, where divorce is restricted or
stigmatized. In the Philippines, legalizing divorce faces significant legal, cultural, and religious challenges
(Agliam, Bongolto, Pobeda, Vega, & Vallespin, 2024).

C. The Catholic Church’s Position on Divorce

The Catholic Church has maintained a consistent stance against divorce, viewing marriage as a sacramental and
indissoluble union. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2384–2385) underscores this belief, permitting
separation only under specific conditions that do not equate to civil divorce. Declaring a marriage null and void
means that the marriage was never legally valid, effectively treating it as though it never occurred and had no
legal consequences. This differs from divorce, which, whether partial or absolute, acknowledges that the
marriage did exist and had legal effects but subsequently dissolves the marriage bond (Libarios, 2021). Pope
Francis, in his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, acknowledges the complexities of marital breakdowns but
emphasizes pastoral care and support rather than legal dissolution (Francis, 2016). The CBCP pastoral statement
reiterates the Church's respect for the legislative process while advocating for laws that prioritize the sanctity of
marriage and the common good (CBCP, 2024). A civil divorce only dissolves the civil marriage, while the religious
marriage remains unaffected. Consequently, entering into new relationships or contracting a new civil marriage
may lead to a "public and permanent situation of adultery," as both parties remain married under Church law
(Deogratias, 2019).

D. Public Opinion and Legal Reforms

Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping legislative reforms. The chronosystem encompasses changes or
consistencies over time in both an individual's characteristics and their environment. This includes shifts in
family structure, socioeconomic status (SES), place of residence, societal attitudes towards divorce, and broader
cultural and historical changes (Kennedy & Quesada, 2024). In the Philippines, surveys indicate a growing
acceptance of divorce. The SWS survey from March 21 to 25 revealed that support for divorce legalization in the
Philippines is strongest in Metro Manila with a "very strong" +40, and weakest in Mindanao with a "neutral" +2,

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while Balance Luzon and the Visayas show "moderately strong" support with + 20 each (Rappler, 2024). However,
there is also a strong sentiment for preserving traditional family values, creating a nuanced landscape for
policymakers.

E. Empirical Studies on Divorce Impact

Empirical research highlights the multifaceted impact of divorce on individuals and society. Psychological
studies suggest that divorce can lead to significant stress and adjustment challenges for all involved, especially
children (Kelly & Emery, 2003). Nearly 47% of divorced women suffered a drastic income loss of at least 50%,
highlighting severe financial hardship despite a general trend toward reduced economic impacts over time
(McKeever & Wolfinger, 2001). However, studies also point to the potential benefits of divorce, such as the
reduction of conflict and improved well-being for individuals in dysfunctional marriages (Amato, 2014).

F. Methodologies in Divorce Research

Research on divorce typically employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to capture the breadth of
experiences and opinions. Quantitative methods, including surveys using Likert scales and CSAT measures,
provide statistical insights into public perceptions and satisfaction levels (Bryman, 2016). Qualitative
approaches, such as interviews and focus groups, offer deeper understanding of personal narratives and societal
attitudes (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). This mixed-methods approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the
complex dynamics surrounding divorce legislation.

G. Relevance to the Current Study

The current study aligns with existing literature by examining public perceptions and satisfaction regarding
proposed civil divorce legislation in the Philippines. By employing Likert scales and CSAT measures, this research
contributes to the empirical understanding of societal attitudes and legislative preferences. It also responds to
the CBCP’s call for informed public discourse and just laws that serve the common good (CBCP, 2024).

III. Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this research are to:

A. Assess Attitudes: Evaluate college students' overall attitudes towards the proposed civil divorce legislation by
analyzing both their perceptions and satisfaction levels. This assessment will utilize Likert scales and CSAT
measures to provide a comprehensive understanding of student opinions and sentiments.

B. Inform Policymaking: Deliver data-driven insights to policymakers to support the development and refinement
of civil divorce legislation. This objective aims to ensure that the legislation is informed by public attitudes and
effectively addresses the identified societal needs and concerns.

C. Support Advocacy: Provide empirical evidence to stakeholders, including the Catholic Church, to strengthen
their advocacy efforts. The data will help these groups articulate informed positions and contribute to effective
dialogue and debate surrounding the proposed legislation.

D. Enhance Public Discourse: Facilitate informed discussions about civil divorce by presenting a broad spectrum
of societal attitudes. This will aid in generating a more nuanced understanding of public opinion and fostering a
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constructive dialogue on the implications and potential impacts of the legislation.

IV. Methodology

A. Mixed-Methods Approach

This study employs a mixed methods approach to assess college students' attitudes towards the proposed civil
divorce legislation, incorporating both perceptions and satisfaction levels. Quantitative data will be collected
using Likert scale and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) questionnaires administered to a representative sample of
Filipino college students. The Likert scale will measure students' levels of agreement or disagreement with
statements related to the proposed legislation, capturing their perceptions. The CSAT scale will assess their
overall satisfaction with various aspects of the proposed legislation. This comprehensive approach will provide a
nuanced understanding of student attitudes and facilitate informed analysis of the legislative proposal.

B. Research Problem

The study investigates college students' attitudes towards the proposed civil divorce legislation, aiming to
provide empirical insights into public perceptions and satisfaction levels. It is structured around six key themes
to understand the legislation's impact. The first theme evaluates public perception and acceptance of civil
divorce legislation among college students. The second assesses the transparency and inclusivity of the
legislative process and proposed guidelines. The third examines the adequacy of support systems and
counseling services for families considering divorce. The fourth evaluates how well the legislation addresses
issues such as marital distress and child protection. The fifth theme assesses the integration of cultural and
economic factors into the legislation, while the sixth reviews the clarity and fairness of information about the
legislation.

C. Research Questions

The research aims to address three key questions: First, it seeks to understand college students' perceptions of
the proposed civil divorce legislation in the Philippines, focusing on overall attitudes and societal implications.
Second, it examines how satisfied students are with various aspects of the legislation, including procedural
details, support mechanisms, and cultural impacts. Third, it identifies specific concerns related to support
systems and legislative transparency that influence acceptance and satisfaction, highlighting areas that require
improvement for better overall acceptance.

D. Participants

In the third term of the 2023–2024 academic year at De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), this study
assessed the attitudes of students enrolled in the "Marriage and Family Life" (MARFAMI) course. Conducted in a
blended learning format that combined online and face-to-face instruction, the course included 148 students.
From the distributed questionnaires, 72 responses were analyzed, capturing insights from four sections of the
course and providing a representative snapshot of the students' perspectives.

The age distribution of participants shows that the majority (83.3%) are between 21 and 25 years old, suggesting
that most students are in the advanced stages of their undergraduate studies. A smaller portion (12.5%) are
between 16 and 20 years old, representing earlier academic stages, while 4.2% are aged 26 or older.

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 Table 1
Age Distribution of MARFAMI Students
Age Group Number of Students Percentage

16–20 9 12.5%

21–25 60 83.3%

26 and above 3 4.2%

The gender distribution reveals that 54.2% of the participants are male, 44.4% are female, and 1.4% chose not to
disclose their gender. This demographic profile, with a slightly higher male representation and a small percentage
of non-disclosure, may provide insights into how the class views marriage, family life, and civil divorce legislation.

Table 2
Gender Distribution of MARFAMI Students
Gender Number of Students Percentage

Female 32 44.4%

Male 39 54.2%

I prefer not to say 1 1.4%

The class distribution across four sections of the MARFAMI course shows varying levels of participation. The
BHHH1 section, meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:20 AM to 12:50 PM, had the lowest participation,
with 16 out of 42 students (38.1%) responding. The BHCA1 section, held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00
AM to 9:30 AM, had a slightly higher response rate, with 12 out of 23 students (52.2%) contributing to the survey.
The OHHH1 section, meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, saw 18 out of 42 students
(42.9%) participate in the study.

The highest participation came from the OTGE1 section, which meets on Thursdays from 11:20 AM to 12:50 PM.
In this section, 26 out of 41 students (63.4%) completed the questionnaires, standing out with the most
significant engagement compared to the other sections.

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 Table 3
Class Distribution of MARFAMI Students
Class Section Students Participated Students Enrolled Percentage

BHHH1 (MW 11:20 − 12:50) 16 42 38.1%

BHCA1 (MW 8:00–9:30) 12 23 52.2%

OHHH1 (MW 1:00–2:30) 18 42 42.9%

OTGE1 (TH 11:20 − 12:50) 26 41 63.4%

E. Data Collection Methods

Quantitative data were collected via Google Forms to investigate college students' perceptions of civil divorce
legislation. A total of 148 survey questionnaires were emailed to students enrolled in the "Marriage and Family
Life" (MARFAMI) course at De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. Of these, 72 responses were received, offering
valuable insights into the students' attitudes and levels of satisfaction with the proposed legislation. The analysis
centered on these responses, considering the students' academic background in marriage and family life and
their experiences in the blended learning environment of the MARFAMI course.

F. Research Questionnaire

In assessing complex legislative proposals like civil divorce legislation, robust measurement tools are crucial.
This research employs Likert scales and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) measures to provide actionable data for
legislative decisions and public discourse. Likert Scales assess attitudes by asking respondents to rate their
agreement with statements on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree), capturing the intensity of
their feelings about various aspects of the legislation. This method reveals not only the direction of opinions but
also their strength. CSAT measures, ranging from 1 (Very Dissatisfied) to 5 (Very Satisfied), gauge overall
satisfaction with aspects of the proposed law, such as procedural details and support mechanisms. While Likert
Scales measure agreement with statements, CSAT focuses on overall contentment with specific components.
Both tools cover thematic groups such as societal expectations and legislative processes, ensuring a
comprehensive assessment. This combined approach provides a nuanced understanding of attitudes and
satisfaction regarding the legislation.

G. Results and Discussion

1. Likert Analysis Interpretation by Thematic Groupings

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 Table 4
Societal Expectations, Acceptance, and Public Opinion These questions measure the overall public perception,
acceptance, and societal support for civil divorce legislation. They gauge how different societal groups (college
students, families, the public) view the proposed law.
Statement Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Mean Mean Int. Mean Resp.
5 4 3 2 1 Int.

1. Civil divorce becoming 38 14 9 5 6 4.02 Agree Generally agreed that

law in the Philippines civil divorce would
would effectively meet meet societal
societal expectations. expectations.

2. Most college students 27 25 15 10 10 3.62 Agree Generally agreed that

are likely to express college students
satisfaction with the would be satisfied
implementation of civil with civil divorce
divorce legislation. legislation.

3. The majority of Filipino 21 25 22 15 11 3.42 Agree Mixed responses but

families would probably generally agreed that
approve of legalizing civil families would
divorce. approve of civil
divorce.

5. The general public 29 19 23 11 8 3.61 Agree Generally agreed that

would likely find the public would be
satisfaction in the satisfied with the
enactment of civil enactment of civil
divorce law in the divorce law.
Philippines.

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 Table 5
Legislative Process and Guidelines These questions assess the transparency, inclusivity, and practicality of the
legislative process and the guidelines proposed for civil divorce proceedings. They examine the procedural
aspects and stakeholder involvement.
Statement Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Mean Mean Int. Mean Resp.
5 4 3 2 1 Int.

4. The current 23 28 16 12 8 3.54 Agree Generally agreed that

discussions on civil the discussions are
divorce legislation in constructive.
the Philippines are
sufficiently
constructive.

8. The proposed 27 30 9 4 2 4.00 Agree Strong agreement on

guidelines for civil the appropriateness
divorce proceedings in and practicality of the
the Philippines are guidelines.
deemed appropriate
and practical.

11. The process of 13 24 29 5 1 3.15 Neutral Generally neutral on

drafting civil divorce the transparency and
legislation is inclusiveness of the
transparent and drafting process.
inclusive of stakeholder
inputs.

18. The proposed 30 21 18 6 5 3.77 Agree Generally agreed that

timeframe for the proposed
implementing civil timeframe is
divorce legislation in reasonable and
the Philippines is feasible.
deemed reasonable
and feasible.

Table 6
Support Systems and Provisions These questions focus on the adequacy of support systems and provisions for
counseling and support services for families considering divorce. They evaluate the infrastructure and resources
available to support the legislation.
Statement Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Mean Mean Int. Mean Resp.
5 4 3 2 1 Int.

6. The existing support 14 20 29 6 3 3.08 Neutral Mixed opinions, with

systems for families neutrality on the
considering civil divorce adequacy of
in the Philippines are support systems.
considered adequate.

15. Provisions for 15 27 22 7 7 3.38 Neutral Generally neutral on

counseling and support the sufficiency of
services for couples provisions for
considering civil divorce counseling and
are deemed sufficient. support services.

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 Table 7
Addressing Specific Needs and Concerns These questions explore how well the legislation addresses specific
needs and concerns, such as marital distress, societal attitudes towards marriage, protection of children's
interests, and legal safeguards.
Statement Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Mean Mean Int. Mean Resp.
5 4 3 2 1 Int.

7. Civil divorce 32 20 12 5 3 3.90 Agree Generally agreed that

legislation has the the legislation would
potential to effectively address specific
address the specific needs effectively.
needs of families in
marital distress.

9. Legalizing civil divorce 27 28 12 8 6 3.80 Agree Generally agreed that

could positively legalizing divorce
influence societal could positively
attitudes towards influence attitudes
marriage. towards marriage.

14. Measures to protect 24 25 17 8 8 3.56 Agree Generally agreed that

the interests of children measures to protect
from divorced families children's interests
are reasonably robust. are robust.

17. Legal safeguards 21 22 25 9 8 3.42 Agree Generally agreed that

against potential misuse legal safeguards are
or abuse of civil divorce effective against
proceedings are misuse or abuse.
considered effective.

Table 8
Cultural and Economic Considerations These questions examine how well cultural considerations and economic
implications are managed and integrated into the legislation. They assess the broader impact of the law on
society and the economy.
Statement Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Mean Mean Int. Mean Resp.
5 4 3 2 1 Int.

10. Cultural 17 30 21 8 6 3.40 Agree Mixed responses but

considerations are well- generally agreed on
integrated into the integration of
discussions about civil cultural
divorce legislation in the considerations.
Philippines.

16. Economic 20 25 18 11 6 3.47 Agree Generally agreed that

implications of civil economic
divorce legislation in the implications are
Philippines are reasonably managed.
reasonably managed
and anticipated.

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 Table 9
Information and Fairness These questions assess the clarity, accessibility, and fairness of the information
provided about the legislation, as well as the perceived transparency and accountability of the participants
involved in the process.
Statement Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Chc. Mean Mean Int. Mean Resp.
5 4 3 2 1 Int.

12. Information 19 26 19 9 6 3.50 Agree Generally agreed that

accessibility about civil information about the
divorce legislation is legislation is clear
clear and accessible to and accessible.
the general public.

13. Civil divorce 22 25 16 7 9 3.50 Agree Generally agreed on

legislation the fairness of the
demonstrates fairness legislation concerning
in addressing gender gender equality.
equality concerns.

19. Information 28 27 13 5 4 3.80 Agree Generally agreed that

provided to the public information about the
about the benefits and benefits and
drawbacks of civil drawbacks is clear
divorce is clear and and comprehensive.
comprehensive.

20. Participants 18 22 22 10 10 3.30 Neutral Generally neutral on

involved in the civil the transparency and
divorce legislation accountability of
process demonstrate participants in the
transparency and process.
accountability.
2. Overall Grand Mean and Overall Average Grand Mean

The analysis of college students' perceptions regarding the proposed civil divorce legislation reveals a spectrum
of viewpoints across several thematic areas. The theme of Societal Expectations, Acceptance, and Public
Opinion (Table 4) has an overall grand mean of 3.67, indicating general agreement that the proposed legislation
aligns with societal expectations. Although there is broad support, some skepticism remains, particularly
concerning the approval of Filipino families, reflecting a predominantly favorable yet cautious view of societal
acceptance.

In the realm of Legislative Process and Guidelines (Table 5), with a grand mean of 3.62, the process is generally
seen as appropriate and feasible. Despite this, there are concerns about transparency and the inclusiveness of
stakeholder involvement, suggesting that while the guidelines are positively received, the execution of the
legislative process could benefit from greater transparency and stakeholder engagement.

When evaluating Support Systems and Provisions (Table 6), which has a grand mean of 3.23, opinions are mixed.
This neutral stance suggests that while some recognition of existing support systems is present, there is a
perceived insufficiency in the available resources and provisions for families considering divorce. This highlights
a crucial area needing improvement.

For the theme of Addressing Specific Needs and Concerns (Table 7), the grand mean of 3.67 reflects a favorable
view of the legislation’s potential to address specific issues such as marital distress and child protection. This
high score indicates confidence in the legislation's effectiveness in managing these concerns.

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The Cultural and Economic Considerations (Table 8) score a grand mean of 3.44, indicating general agreement
on the integration of these factors into the legislation. However, the challenges in fully incorporating cultural and
economic considerations suggest that there is room for enhancement in this area.

Lastly, Information and Fairness (Table 9) has a grand mean of 3.53, showing that information about the
legislation is generally perceived as clear and fair. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding the completeness
of transparency and accountability, pointing to a need for more clarity and openness.

The average grand mean of 3.54 reflects a generally positive view of the civil divorce legislation among college
students. The findings suggest that while the legislation is seen as meeting societal expectations and effectively
addressing key issues, improvements are needed in areas such as support systems, legislative transparency, and
the integration of cultural and economic considerations. Addressing these areas could enhance acceptance and
ensure more effective implementation of the legislation.

3. CSAT Analysis Interpretation by Thematic Groupings

Table 10
Societal Expectations, Acceptance, and Public Opinion These questions measure the overall public perception,
acceptance, and societal support for civil divorce legislation. They gauge how different societal groups (college
students, families, the public) view the proposed law.
Statement Very Sat. Total Scale CSAT CSAT Gen. Int.
Sat. Sat. Value % Int.

1. Civil divorce becoming law in 25 24 49 4.06 68.1% Satisfied Respondents

the Philippines would effectively are satisfied.
meet societal expectations.

2. Most college students are 23 22 45 3.75 62.5% Satisfied Respondents

likely to express satisfaction are satisfied.
with the implementation of civil
divorce legislation.

3. The majority of Filipino 20 25 45 3.75 62.5% Satisfied Respondents

families would probably approve are satisfied.
of legalizing civil divorce.

5. The general public would likely 22 21 43 3.60 59.7% Satisfied Respondents

find satisfaction in the are satisfied.
enactment of civil divorce law in
the Philippines.

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 Table 11
Legislative Process and Guidelines These questions assess the transparency, inclusivity, and practicality of the
legislative process and the guidelines proposed for civil divorce proceedings. They examine the procedural
aspects and stakeholder involvement.
Statement Very Sat. Total Scale CSAT CSAT Gen. Int.
Sat. Sat. Value % Int.

4. The current discussions on 15 19 34 2.87 47.2% Neutral Respondents are

civil divorce legislation in the neither satisfied
Philippines are sufficiently nor dissatisfied.
constructive.

8. The proposed guidelines 22 19 41 3.56 56.9% Satisfied Respondents are

for civil divorce proceedings satisfied.
in the Philippines are deemed
appropriate and practical.

11. The process of drafting 16 18 34 2.87 47.2% Neutral Respondents are

civil divorce legislation is neither satisfied
transparent and inclusive of nor dissatisfied.
stakeholder inputs.

18. The current legislative 20 21 41 3.56 56.9% Satisfied Respondents are

framework for civil divorce is satisfied.
aligned with international
best practices.

Table 12
Support Systems and Provisions These questions focus on the adequacy of support systems and provisions for
counseling and support services for families considering divorce. They evaluate the infrastructure and resources
available to support the legislation.
Statement Very Sat. Total Scale CSAT CSAT Gen. Int.
Sat. Sat. Value % Int.

6. The existing support 18 17 35 2.68 48.6% Neutral Respondents are

systems for families neither satisfied nor
considering civil divorce in dissatisfied.
the Philippines are
considered adequate.

15. Provisions for counseling 17 19 36 2.50 50.0% Neutral Respondents are

and support services for neither satisfied nor
couples considering civil dissatisfied.
divorce are deemed
sufficient.

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 Table 13
Addressing Specific Needs and Concerns These questions explore how well the legislation addresses specific
needs and concerns, such as marital distress, societal attitudes towards marriage, protection of children's
interests, and legal safeguards.
Statement Very Sat. Total Scale CSAT CSAT Gen. Int.
Sat. Sat. Value % Int.

7. Civil divorce legislation has 21 20 41 3.56 56.9% Satisfied Respondents

the potential to effectively are satisfied.
address the specific needs of
families in marital distress.

9. Legalizing civil divorce could 24 20 44 3.70 61.1% Satisfied Respondents

positively influence societal are satisfied.
attitudes towards marriage.

14. Measures to protect the 18 21 39 3.54 54.2% Satisfied Respondents

interests of children from are satisfied.
divorced families are reasonably
robust.

17. Civil divorce legislation will 21 18 39 3.54 54.2% Satisfied Respondents

likely address the concerns of are satisfied.
economically disadvantaged
families effectively.

Table 14
Cultural and Economic Considerations These questions examine how well cultural considerations and economic
implications are managed and integrated into the legislation. They assess the broader impact of the law on
society and the economy.
Statement Very Sat. Total Scale CSAT CSAT Gen. Int.
Sat. Sat. Value % Int.

10. Cultural considerations are 19 22 41 3.56 56.9% Satisfied Respondents

well-integrated into discussions are satisfied.
about civil divorce legislation in
the Philippines.

16. Cultural and religious values 19 20 39 3.54 54.2% Satisfied Respondents

are appropriately considered in are satisfied.
the civil divorce legislation
process.

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 Table 15
Information and Fairness These questions assess the clarity, accessibility, and fairness of the information
provided about the legislation, as well as the perceived transparency and accountability of the participants
involved in the process.
Statement Very Sat. Total Scale CSAT CSAT Gen. Int.
Sat. Sat. Value % Int.

12. Information accessibility 21 20 41 3.56 56.9% Satisfied Respondents

about civil divorce legislation is are satisfied.
clear and accessible to the
general public.

13. Civil divorce legislation 20 22 42 3.58 58.3% Satisfied Respondents

demonstrates fairness in are satisfied.
addressing gender equality
concerns.

19. The impact of civil divorce 22 20 42 3.58 58.3% Satisfied Respondents

legislation on family dynamics are satisfied.
is likely to be positive.

20. The proposed civil divorce 24 19 43 3.60 59.7% Satisfied Respondents

legislation will foster a more are satisfied.
equitable legal environment for
all individuals.
4. Overall CSAT and Overall Average of CSAT Interpretation

Acceptance, and Public Opinion (Table 10), the CSAT score is 63.2%, reflecting broad approval and a generally
positive public outlook on the legislation. Respondents feel that the legislation meets societal expectations and
is likely to be accepted by various societal groups, including college students and the public.

For Legislative Process and Guidelines (Table 11), the CSAT score is 52.1%, indicating a mixed perception of the
legislative process. While some aspects, such as the appropriateness of guidelines, are met with satisfaction
(56.9%), there is considerable neutrality regarding the transparency and inclusiveness of the drafting process.
This suggests that while the process is seen as practical, there is a need for improved transparency and
stakeholder engagement.

In terms of Support Systems and Provisions (Table 12), the CSAT score is 49.3%, indicating moderate
satisfaction with the existing support systems for families considering divorce. However, the responses are
generally neutral about the adequacy of these systems, highlighting a need for enhanced support and resources
to better assist families.

Regarding Addressing Specific Needs and Concerns (Table 13), the CSAT score of 56.9% shows strong
confidence in the legislation’s effectiveness in addressing key issues such as marital distress and child
protection. Respondents are satisfied with how well the legislation meets these specific needs.

For Cultural and Economic Considerations (Table 14), the CSAT score is 55.9%, reflecting satisfaction with the
integration of cultural and economic factors into the legislation. This indicates a positive view on how well these
considerations are managed, though there is room for further improvement.

Lastly, Information and Fairness (Table 15) scores 58.3%, showing strong satisfaction with the clarity,
accessibility, and fairness of the information provided about the legislation. Respondents appreciate the

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transparency and fairness in addressing gender equality and the overall impact of the legislation.

The average CSAT score of 55.9% suggests a generally positive sentiment towards the civil divorce legislation.
While there is considerable satisfaction with various aspects of the legislation, improvements are needed in
support systems and legislative transparency to further enhance acceptance and effectiveness.

VI. Conclusion
The research reveals a generally favorable view among college students regarding the proposed civil divorce
legislation in the Philippines, with an overall Grand Mean of 3.54 and an average CSAT score of 55.9%. Students
express appreciation for the legislation's alignment with societal expectations and its effectiveness in addressing
marital distress, child protection, and cultural and economic considerations. However, there is notable concern
regarding the transparency of the legislative process and the adequacy of support systems. These findings
underscore the need for greater clarity and inclusivity in the legislative process and enhanced resources for
families. Such improvements could bolster public understanding and support, guiding more effective legislative
practices and aligning with advocacy goals for clearer and more effective legislative frameworks (CBCP, 2024).

VII. Recommendations
Following the passage of House Bill 9349 in May 2024, which aims to legalize absolute divorce for irreparable
marriages (Cervantes, 2024), this study provides valuable insights into college students' perspectives on the
proposed legislation. To enhance public confidence and acceptance, it is recommended that:

1. A. Increase Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement: There should be greater clarity and openness in the
legislative process to address concerns about transparency and inclusivity. Ensuring that all stakeholders
are actively involved can foster broader support and understanding.
2. B. Strengthen Support Systems: The study highlights a need for improved resources and support services for
families considering divorce. Developing comprehensive support mechanisms can better assist affected
individuals and families.
3. C. Address Cultural and Economic Considerations: The integration of cultural and economic factors should
be further refined to fully address these aspects in the legislation.

These recommendations align with the CBCP’s emphasis on informed public discourse and can guide policy
improvements and advocacy efforts to better meet societal needs and enhance legislative effectiveness.

Declarations

VIII. Acknowledgment
I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde for its steadfast support, guidance,
and encouragement throughout this important journey. The institution’s invaluable assistance has profoundly
impacted me, and I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by the academic leadership. I
am also immensely grateful to the School of Multidisciplinary Studies—Theology and Philosophy Area for their
continued support. Additionally, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my wife, Mary Rose Ingles,

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and my daughter, Mariah Faith Ingles. Their unwavering support and integral roles have been crucial to my
academic achievements. Their dedication and collaboration have significantly contributed to reaching this
milestone, and I am sincerely thankful for their efforts.

IX. AI Acknowledgment

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com) to refine writing and language, utilizing prompts
such as spelling check, grammar and syntax correction, alternative sentence phrasing, appropriate word
selection, sentence structure enhancement, consistency check, and conciseness improvement. These prompts
were instrumental in enhancing the accuracy, clarity, and coherence of the written content.

X. Informed Consent
The author has obtained informed consent from all participants.

XI. Conflict of Interest

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.

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