Saturday, September 27, 2008 Dossier: ‘We cannot trifle with matters of faith’ By Rep. Raul del Mar
(Second of two parts)
(Interpellation and debate on the Reproductive Health Bill started last Monday at the House of Representatives. Deputy Speaker Raul V. del Mar first took the floor.)
And yet they have the gall to assure us “that there is no bias for or against natural or artificial planning methods because both will be promoted with equal vigor to truly assure freedom of choice.”
Why in heaven’s name are the principal authors and sponsors insisting on legislating the promotion of artificial methods of birth control against the vehement objections of the majority of our people---we Catholics who comprise no less than 80 percent of our population?
These methods of birth control are a direct assault and violation of our religious beliefs and in contravention with the provision of the Constitution.
And as if this is not bad enough, they add insult to injury by providing billions of pesos in government funding for an intensified public media campaign and the massive free distribution of contraceptives and sterilization devices and procedures.
The bill, in sum and substance, is an advocacy of an extremely divisive policy.
It goes against fundamental Catholic doctrines, the strong religious beliefs of the majority of Filipinos, born and raised in a Catholic environment, a reality that must be reckoned with, whether we like it or not.
This is where the problem lies.
It will not simply be a case of ordinary disagreement or honest dissent.
We cannot quibble or trifle with matters of faith.
We may be looking at a possible conflagration, not mere bush fires.
There is no cause for worry in so far as the Church and its followers are concerned.
Violence or destabilization is not part of our teaching or advocacy.
But there are others who may take advantage of the situation – the gathering of signatures, the street rallies in different places, spontaneous and planned mobilization in schools and colleges, the endless vigils and prayer rallies of millions of Catholics which may be taken as a sign of massive unrest.
It may result in a divisiveness that may undermine the national peace and unity we are seeking to achieve.
But what for? Why take the risk?
Firstly, this bill is a costly exercise in futility.
The President has stated in her Sona last July 28th before all of us here in this august chamber that she is in favor of natural family planning.
This is saying that she will not agree to a piece of legislation that advocates a massive promotion of contraceptives and other means of artificial birth control and consistent therewith is expected to prevent the enactment of the bill into law by vetoing it in the remote possibility that it passes approval by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Secondly, implementation would be very difficult, if not impossible.
How do you expect the Catholics, faithful to the teachings of their Church, to follow a program that goes against their religious beliefs?
We should not – because we cannot – underestimate the conviction, the confidence and the courage of the millions of Catholics to thwart and resist in any manner and at all costs what appears to be a shameless policy of prevention of pregnancies.
Finally, let me give a random of some of the provisions of the Constitution violated by this bill:
1. Article II, Sec. 1. “The Philippines is a democratic and republican State, Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.”
2. Article II, Sec. 12. “The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.”
3. Article II, Sec. 13. “The State recognized the vital role of the yhouth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”
4. Article II, Sec. 15.” The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
5. Article III, Sec. 1. “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person
be denied the equal protection of the laws.”
(Del Mar also mentioned Article III, Sec. 4; Article III, Sec. 5; Article XV, Sec. 1; Article XV, Sec. 2; Article XV, Sec. 3; and Article XVI, Sec. 9--Editor)
