Bishop says CBCP position against Reproductive Health Bill remains

MANILA, May 17, 2009—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) position on the controversial reproductive health bill pending at the House of Representatives will remain unchanged.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo M. Bastes, SVD, in an interview with Catholic-run Veritas 846, said “the CBCP will not change its position on the RH bill because its provisions are anti-family and anti-life.”

He added had he been in Manila, he would join other people in protest.

“No priest is in favor as our lay leaders of family and life apostolate are totally against the bill because it goes against the teachings of the church,” he added.

He explained the bill is against the teachings of the Catholic church “especially protecting life in abortion” and people have been told of the involved issues.

He called on Veritas 846 listeners to unite in opposing the bill because its approval would bring more misery to the population.

“Isa itong panganib sa lahat,” (This is a danger to all.) he added. He went on to say the bill is ably supported by 1st world countries that go contrary to the interests of the people from 3rd world countries like the Philippines.

“Should the measure be approved, the Philippines will be like Japan and some European countries in a matter of decades, wala ng mga tao,” the 65-year old prelate said.

He added he will call on his flock not to vote for lawmakers who will support the reproductive health bill. “That’s the least we can do,” he further said.

In a related development, Couples for Christ’s-Foundation for Family and Life’s Pro-Life Program Director Xavier Padilla said they will join the Knights of Columbus (yeah, our brotherhood is unwavering in this stand for life!) in forming a mass-based coalition against the controversial reproductive health bill.

In a separate interview over Veritas 846, Padilla said they are into education, informing their members of the need to make representations with their district congressmen.

“Kailangan po nating magsalita at kailangan tayong marinig sa ating pananaw sa RH bill,” Padilla said. (We need to speak up and we need our voices to be heard regarding our views on the RH bill)

Padilla said they will campaign against lawmakers who will support the Reproductive Health Bill in the 2010 elections. (Melo Acuña)


- At least the bishops of the Philippines, even though they are not that active in promoting liturgical discipline, are still conservative in the defense of life.

I recall one time when I was watching the evening news when a congressman got irate after receiving a note from a lawyer watching from the gallery. Allegedly, the note given to the congressman insinuated that he declare a non-quorum on that session day so that any opposition to the Reproductive Healthcare Bill will be stopped even for a day. The congressman had the lawyer expelled from the session hall. Interestingly, the lawyer (a young woman) is representing a multinational pharmaceutical company in the Philippines selling... intravenous contraceptives.