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Friday, March 10, 2006
Arroyo's gift to prelate: No way to abortion
By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will not be signing bills that would legalize abortion in the country.
San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto issued the statement on Thursday after President Arroyo attended a mass celebrated for the prelate's 69th birth anniversary.
Aniceto, most popularly called "Apung Ceto", said the President intimated to him in a closed door meeting that she would not allow abortion be legalized in the country, the population of which is predominantly Catholic.
The private meeting lasted almost 10 minutes inside Aniceto's office at the Mother of Good Council Seminary in the city. Also in the meeting were Most Reverend Florentino Lavarias, bishop of Iba, Zambales, and Most Reverend Roberto Mallari, San Fernando's auxiliary bishop-elect.
In her speech after the mass, Arroyo said her birthday gift for Aniceto is to make sure that the state creates policies that support the Filipino family as well as promote reproductive health.
She said Aniceto has been an important adviser for her as regards her administration's efforts on population and family. She also said she never fails to consult the archbishop before she decides on whom to appoint as secretary of the Department of Health (DOH).
The President's speech during the United Nations' Security Council (UNSC) was inspired by Aniceto.
Arroyo announced a new battle-cry for the advocacy on a stronger Filipino family. "A strong family makes for a strong republic," she said.
Upon her return to Manila, the President said she would immediately call on woman-members of her Cabinet to formulate policies for strengthening the Filipino family.
Aniceto, 69, was born on Mar. 9, 1937 in Sta. Ana, Pampanga. He was ordained to priesthood on Dec. 23, 1962 and as bishop on May 27, 1979.
On Jan. 31, 1989, Aniceto, who jested that he is in the "pre-departure area" of his life, was appointed archbishop of San Fernando and installed to the post on March 14 of the same year.
Aniceto said although he did not invite the President, she attended his birthday celebration. Arroyo has just weathered an attempt to overthrow her from Malacañang.
"Let's pray for our leaders, especially for our President, for more wisdom, courage and strength to lead the people towards development," the prelate said in his homily.
(March 10, 2006 issue)
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