SWS: Half of Filipino adults agree on divorce

Half of adult Filipinos agree on legal divorce for separated couples, a recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) found.

The survey, conducted nationwide from March 4 to 7, asked 1,200 respondents whether they agree or disagree with the statement, “Married couples who have already separated and cannot reconcile anymore should be allowed to divorce so that they can get legally married again.”

Fifty percent agreed with the statement, but 33 percent expressed disagreement, bringing the net agreement (agree minus disagree, correctly rounded) to plus 18 in favor. Sixteen percent were undecided.

SWS said in its press release that the results were “a big change” from its last poll on the issue six years ago.

In May 2005, 43 percent agreed while 44 percent disagreed with the statement, bringing the net agreement to minus 2. Another 12 percent were undecided.

SWS noted a shift in position in the Visayas, from a net agreement of minus 24 (32 percent agree, 56 percent disagree) in 2005 to a net agreement of plus 13 (50 percent agree, 37 percent disagree) in the recent survey.

The position changed from “neutral” to “favorable” in Metro Manila, from net minus 1 (44 percent agree, 45 percent disagree) in 2005 to a plus 17 (52 percent agree, 35 percent disagree) recently.

The same happened in Mindanao, which posted a net minus 7 (36 percent agree, 43 percent disagree) in 2005 to plus 9 (44 percent agree, 35 percent disagree) in the new survey.

Those from Balance of Luzon became more “favorable,” from net plus 11 (51 percent agree, 40 percent disagree) to plus 24 (54 percent agree, 29 percent disagree). Inquirer Research