MANILA, July 22, 2010- An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on President Benigno Aquino III to publicly state his position on a measure that seeks to promote birth control.
Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP's Commission on Family and Life, said Aquino should clarify his stance on the Reproductive Health bill when he delivers his first State of the Nation Address on July 26.
As the country's new chief executive, he said it would be best if Mr. Aquino lays out his plan regarding family planning.
"His next years at the helm of the government would show if he believes our populace is an asset or liability," Castro said.
"Our appeal to him is prioritize good governance and poverty would be solved," he added.
Philippine bishops earlier called on Mr. Aquino to reject current policies that promotes artificial contraception to control the country's growing population.
CBCP President Nereo Odchimar said that the government must protect the sanctity of life by putting an end to contraceptive mentality.
Odchimar said they expect the new administration to take action soon by reversing current programs that pushes the use of contraceptives such as condoms and pills.
A recent survey from United Nations Populations Fund claimed that a third of the 3.1 million pregnancies age in this predominantly Catholic country end to abortion per year.
The report also revealed that only 21.6 percent of Filipino women use artificial contraception, 68.4 do not use any contraceptive method and 9.9 percent use natural methods.
The Church promotes natural family planning, teaching that artificial contraception violates God's plan and the dignity of couples and marriage.
Aquino used to be in favor of the reproductive health bill, saying he wants contraceptives to be available in government health centers.
It was during the campaign period when Aquino has taken a more nuanced stand on the issue when the bishops made noise about his support of the measure. (CBCPNews)
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