Malta could soon be the only country in the world without divorce legislation, if a controversial Bill which has just been revived in the Philippines’ ­congress is approved.

Malta and the Philippines remain the last two countries which do not permit divorce, after two other predominantly Catholic countries, Ireland and Chile, ­introduced it in 1995 and 2004 respectively.

With almost 90 per cent of its 92 million inhabitants Christian, the Philippines is one of the most religious countries in the world. Controversially, some religious fanatics still crucify themselves in Good Friday re-enactments of Christ’s death.

Just two weeks ago, a Bill was revived by a Filipino women’s party, Gabriela, similar to the one presented by Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, whose Private Member’s Bill effectively paved the way for a nationwide divorce discussion.

The parallels do not end there between the two predominantly Catholic archipelagos – one in the Mediterranean and the other South East Asia.

Both countries have now had two divorce Bills presented in each parliament without the backing of their anti-divorce leaders.

Like Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Filipino President Benigno Aquino III – who happens to be a bachelor – is against the introduction of divorce.

However, his sister, television host Kris Aquino is currently going through a very public separation with her football star husband – an affair that reawakened calls for the introduction of divorce.

The Bill being proposed in the Philippines will apply for couples who have stopped living together for five years and those already legally separated for two years.

The Gabriela party argues that annulment proceedings can be very costly and time-consuming while separation does not allow remarriage.

They particularly feel divorce needs to be introduced for women who fall victim to ­domestic violence and those who cannot afford an annulment.

According to a Filipino journalist who spoke to The Sunday Times, the revived Bill has divided the Filipino congress and even if it passes it will then have to go on to Senate and eventually the President for final approval.

Robert Requintina from the Manila Bulletin added that the Church was highly vocal in the Philippines and has already made its opposition to the divorce Bill amply clear, making it difficult for religious politicians to back it.

“The Church believes the sanctity of marriage would be ruined with divorce and it might lead to more breakups. These were the same arguments they made in the 1980s, but now it is 2010. I think it needs to be discussed seriously,” Mr Requintina said.

He said there was a 50-50 chance of the Bill being approved but it was still too early to tell, since most politicians have yet to react to the move by the Gabriela party.

When contacted, Dr Pullicino Orlando said the situation in the Philippines was different to that in Malta.

“The local situation is discriminatory in that it already recognises divorces secured abroad while prohibiting irrevocably separated couples from getting a divorce in Malta. I am confident the Maltese will give their support to ending this injustice.”

He pointed out that, unfortunately, marriages failed sometimes, with or without divorce.

“Divorce allows individuals who have gone through the trauma of a failed first marriage to start a new family. It is unjust to prevent them from doing so. It is also easier for the State to relate to the new formal family unit rather than to a cohabiting couple.”