Former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has announced his intention to advocate for the legislation of “administrative annulment” as an alternative to divorce if he secures a Senate seat in the upcoming elections.
In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB’s Ikaw na Ba? The Senatorial Interviews, Sotto reiterated his opposition to divorce, arguing that administrative annulment would simplify and reduce the cost of ending marriages.
“My proposal is better. I looked at the divorce bill—it’s still tedious, long, and involves court proceedings. Instead, with administrative annulment, there would be no courts, no Solicitor General, and the process would be easier and cheaper. Grounds such as infidelity and violence can also be included alongside psychological incapacity,” Sotto explained.
The current divorce bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives last year, includes similar grounds for dissolution but retains court processes, making it more complex than Sotto’s proposed administrative route.
Other Key Positions
Confidential and Intelligence Funds
Sotto emphasized the need for stricter congressional oversight of confidential and intelligence funds in government agencies. He suggested real-time investigations into the utilization of such funds to ensure accountability.
“As a senator, we didn’t spend even a single centavo on intelligence or confidential funds. That I can guarantee,” Sotto stated.
Medical Cannabis
Sotto expressed his support for medical cannabis legalization but opposed its domestic production.
“I’m fine with cannabis oil and medical cannabis for treatment, but I’m against planting and producing it here,” he said, emphasizing the need for importation.
Death Penalty
Sotto voiced tentative support for reinstating the death penalty for heinous crimes and drug trafficking but proposed an alternative: establishing a separate penitentiary for high-level drug traffickers.
“Instead of putting them on death row, let’s isolate them in a special penitentiary,” he suggested.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign season heats up, Sotto’s platform highlights a mix of reforms aimed at streamlining legal processes, improving oversight, and addressing longstanding policy debates in Philippine society.