As debates resume, CBCP says RH bill not a solution

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Thursday reiterated its opposition to the reproductive health (RH) bill after several lawmakers described the pending measure as the answer to the social and economic contradictions highlighted this week by the birth of the world’s seven billionth human being.

In a statement signed by CBCP president and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, the prelates said they believed the RH bill would not solve the inequalities of life in the Philippines, currently the 12th most populous nation.

“The RH bill is in no way a measure or solution to this unjust reality. In fact, the RH bill could worsen the situation as billions will be allotted for contraceptive pills, gadgets and services. We strongly maintain our preaching that the RH bill should be rejected,” the statement said.

Equal access

On Wednesday, Representatives Edcel Lagman, Janet Garin, Nur-Ana Sahidulla and Angelo Palmones called for the passage of the RH bill which, they said, would be the key to ensuring that every Filipino would have equal access to basic goods and services.

Even United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon pointed to a global population crisis, saying that “the world today is one of terrible contradictions,” as shown by an abundance of food supplies but having one billion people going hungry.

The UN Population Fund also urged governments to ensure that in areas of the world where populations are growing fast, “we raise the status of women and young girls to be able to access education and make choices for themselves.”

The Catholic Church in the country, however, has linked the inequalities in Philippine society to perennial problems such as graft and corruption, abuse of power and greed, and other acts of dishonesty in government.

“We should take a more conscientious look at these issues in the midst of the endless reportage on cases of graft and corruption, theft, unpaid taxes and the like… Public opinion and various forums have repeatedly referred to the reality of poverty and poor people in denouncing those acts of dishonesty, abuse of power and greed—personal and corporate,” Odchimar said.

‘Dramatic allegations’

The bishops said the Aquino administration should focus on good governance and addressing poverty instead of listening to “dramatic allegations” that are being used to hype up the issue of maternal deaths.

“We remind the government that, through its agencies, it attend sincerely to its desire to weed out the social factors of evils that continue to impoverish our poor and deprive them of the services due them,” said Odchimar.

President Benigno Aquino III had earlier declared the RH bill one of his administration’s priority measures. It would give couples information on birth control and the means to practice it at government expense.

The CBCP’s strong opposition to the bill stems from the Roman Catholic Church’s prolife stance and objection to the use of artificial contraceptives.