Church group says yes to RH

THE Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) is supporting the passage of House Bill 4244 or the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, as it asked Congress to put priority to it.

In a meeting with the local media on Friday, Right Rev. Felomino Ang, secretary of the Supreme Council of Bishops, and Right Rev. Joselito Cruz, general sectary of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, said they are reiterating their support to the bill as it was specified under the pastoral teachings issued on January 12, 1993 that the government and parents have the “duty to ensure the full development of children for a quality of life that reflects their dignity as created in God’s image.”

Ang said they believe the key principle of the bill is compatible with the moral and social teachings of the Gospel and the promotion and protection of the rights of the Filipino people, especially the poor and the marginalized.

The IFI hierarchy is convinced the RH bill is not about morality of population control and contraceptive methods, and Congress debates only obstruct the essence of the bill as a deliberate attempt to disregard the rights and welfare of women by denying them access to health services, information and choice.

The IFI maintains two dioceses in the United States and another two in Europe. It commands numerous followers in the city and province of Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental and Guimaras.

Rev. Ang assured they are not compelling their flock to go for block voting in the elections, nor the church hierarchy is pressuring the members to vote for certain political candidates.

He said the six million members are free to participate in the elections and choose their political leaders in the country. (LCP)