SOME months ago in Congress, there was a proposal to make marriage, in effect, a 10-year contract—renewable, of course.
The proposal, if made into a law, would “unclog” the court dockets now plagued with an unusually high number of cases for annulment. While this would be a simple way out for marriages gone bad, what would this proposal make of marriage, an institution that is supposed to be a lifetime commitment? Here’s what some people think about it:
Ria Redulla, RCTV 36 host, Tambayan Sa Outpost
“An ‘expiry date’ is much like a pre-nuptial agreement. If you consider getting one, why get married at all? The whole point of marriage is the commitment between a husband and wife to make the relationship work for as long as they live.
“If you put an expiry date on your marriage, then you obviously don’t have that kind of commitment. When there is no commitment, the marriage will fail inevitably. So if there’s no commitment to begin with, why get married in the first place?”
Gustavo Uy, copywriter and radio DJ Monster Radio
Divorce, something which I support and fully understand the need for, is one thing. But to place an expiry date on marriages is another story. That’s just absurd and way too ‘out there.’ Marriage isn’t some kind of business deal or employment contract; it’s the highest form of agreement/promise between two consenting adults who (under normal circumstances) care for each other.
“The last thing couples need on their minds when tying the knot is the knowledge that in ten years time, ‘it’ll all be over.’ Bottom line, placing an expiry period on a marriage defeats its entire purpose.”
Connie M. Garcia,Quota International Club of Cebu president
“Definitely, there should be no expiry date on a marriage. First of all, what happens to the conjugal property you acquire as a couple? And more importantly, what about the children?
Though my first marriage failed, I would not agree to the proposal because the definition of marriage is a lifetime commitment. If you put a cap, it’s no longer a commitment but a contract. One just has to find the right partner and be mature.”
Annabelle Lumapas, public relations officer, Marco Polo Plaza
“I don’t see the point of tying the knot with someone when you are not really committed to the vows of marriage. And marriage isn’t simply about the couple, but the children are involved as well. If this be the case, are we going to have parental expiry, too?”