Popcom to Comelec: Include family planning, population issues in poll bets’ debates

Commission on Population and Development.

 MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to tackle issues with regard to the country’s population and reproductive health. 

Popcom undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, in a statement, said that Popcom has fielded questions to the Comelec for candidates for national offices about their plans on continuing the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law and population development policies which he hoped would be addressed in the next set of debates and interviews.

“We want to know our candidates’ plans,” Perez said, referring to the bet’s plans about the decongestion of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon, which hold 39 percent of the entire country’s population, while “partaking in the benefits” of 65 percent of the national economy.

“This will be key in developing regions outside of the three, particularly those beyond Southern Tagalog, which are left behind in terms of progress,” he added.

The discussions and exchange of ideas among those seeking public office will give a bigger picture of their stance on said issues, according to Perez.

“With the right leaders hopefully elected by our countrymen, Filipino families will continue to be empowered, as well as reap the positive outcomes of the RPRH Law, family planning, and [population development] policies that uphold their wellbeing and welfare,” he said.

While other political debates did not shed light on reproductive and population issues, the contentious issue of abortion has been repeatedly discussed. 

Presidential candidates Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Sen. Ping Lacson said they are against abortion. 

Vice President Leni Robredo, who is also against abortion, said she is open to discussions of decriminalizing it, while former Sen. Bongbong Marcos Jr. also said he is against abortion, except if rape or incest is involved.

Labor leader Leody de Guzman is the only presidential candidate who is open to decriminalize abortion.

The Comelec’s third and final presidential and vice presidential debates will be held on April 24 and April 23, respectively.

 gsg