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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
25 AUG-5 P2:09
SENATE
S. No. 900
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE 55 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, SERIES OF 1987, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES", AS 
AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Family Code of the Philippines, enacted through Executive Order No. 209, 
Series of 1987, governs the legal framework for marriage and family relations in the 
country. One of its core provisions. Article 55, enumerates the grounds for legal 
separation—a remedy provided by law for spouses enduring serious marital issues that 
render cohabitation impossible or harmful.
However, over the past decades, legal practitioners, scholars, and concerned 
citizens have pointed out the need to revisit and revise certain grounds under Article 
55 to reflect the evolving nature of relationships and the realities faced by modern 
Filipino families. The current list of grounds, while comprehensive, excludes some 
situations that may equally warrant legal separation and protection of the aggrieved 
party.
This bill seeks to amend Article 55 of the Family Code to provide more 
responsive and inclusive grounds for legal separation, thereby recognizing the 
complexities of marital breakdowns and ensuring greater access to justice for those in


difficult or dangerous domestic situations. It aims to eliminate ambiguities and 
strengthen the law's capacity to address present-day family concerns.
Filed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar in the 19th Congress, this bill reflects a broader 
legislative vision of a just and humane legal system—one that keeps pace with social 
realities and upholds the dignity and safety of every Filipino spouse. By refining the 
legal grounds for separation, this measure underscores the State's responsibility to 
protect individuals from emotional, psychological, and physical harm within the family 
structure, while preserving the integrity of marriage as a social institution.
Key features of the bill include:
1. 
The inclusion of additional grounds for legal separation that recognize 
emotional abuse, psychological violence, and other serious 
circumstances not previously enumerated under Article 55;
2. 
Clarification of terms and thresholds for certain grounds to ensure 
consistency in legal interpretation and application;
3. 
Reinforcement of legal safeguards for victims, particularly women and 
children, who may be subjected to prolonged suffering under existing 
legal limitations;
4. 
Harmonization of Article 55 with existing laws on domestic violence, such 
as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), 
to ensure a unified and survivor-centered approach.
This amendment affirms the need for a compassionate, equitable, and forward- 
looking family law framework—one that enables the courts to respond effectively to 
the needs of those seeking relief from irreparable marital conditions.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
NGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 900
' ' • 
■■■ 
eU,')>PUi; :X
VT 
of lijr
25 AUG-5 P2:09
RtCElVED 6V;
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE 55 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, SERIES OF 1987, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES", AS 
AMENDED
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Grounds for Legal Separation. - Article 55 of E.O. No. 209, otherwise
2 
known as "Family Code of the Philippines" is hereby amended to read as follows:
3 
"Article 55. A petition for legal separation may be filed
4 
on any of the following grounds;
5 
"(1) [Repeated] ANY physical, SEXUAL, OR
6 
PSYCHOLOGICAL violence, [or grossly] abusive conduct,
7 
OR ECONOMIC ABUSE, INCLUDING THREATS OF SUCH
8 
ACTS, BATTERY, COERCION, HARASSMENT OR
9 
ARBITRARY DEPRIVATION directed against the
10 
petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner;
11 
"x X X."
12 
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or portions
13 
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed,
14 
amended, or modified accordingly.


1 
Sec. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
3 
circulation.
Approved,