Bishops Float P-Noy Ouster Move Over Reproductive Health

MANILA, Philippines (May 20, 2011) - Three groups are set to oust Philippine President Benigno Aquino III if the controversial Reproductive Health Bill (RHB) becomes a law. This was revealed today by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz in a radio interview with Church-run Radyo Veritas.

"Tatlo iyong grupo na yan...'Bagama’t iba-iba ang kanilang hangarin. Iba iba ang kanilang plano pero iisa ang nagdudugtong sa kanila. Ayaw nila sa pamahalaang ito, (These three groups with different advocacies and plans are connected by one thing--they do not like this government.)" Cruz said.

According to Cruz, the passage of the contraceptive measure is just one of the issues that the groups will use against President Aquino.

"This is not only the issue against him, this is just one of those... So, this is just one of those reasons that disappoint and frustrate people," the prelate said, noting these groups are only waiting for the opportune time to make their move.

President Aquino and Catholic Church officials have been at loggerheads over the issue of the RH bill, with the Chief Executive fully in support of its passage. He will not veto the bill, the President has said.

For his part, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said he does not think too highly of President Aquino for supporting the RH bill, adding he would not even listen to the State of the Nation Address on July.

"Hindi ako nakikinig dun (I will not listen to it). I'm not supporting him. Naniniwala akong hero ang kaniyang magulang pero siya hindi. (I believe his parents are heroes, but not him). I don’t expect much from him," Arguelles said.

President Aquino is the son of democracy icons former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, whose presidency was fully supported by the Catholic church.