A FORMER official of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged celebrities not to take part in the condom campaign of the health department for the sake of the young people who are idolizing them.
“The Church is against that, using celebrities in order to promote condom. ‘That’s why we are appealing to them (celebrities) not to let the DOH (Department of Health) use them because as artists they have a public image and they are being idolized by many,” said Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo in an interview over Radio Veritas 846 Wednesday.
The appeal was issued after it was reported that the DOH is looking to tap a celebrity to promote the use of condoms as a safety measure against HIV/Aids infection.
Lagdameo, former CBCP president, noted that being a public figure, celebrities also have the obligation to protect the morals of the society.
“They also have an obligation to the society and that is to protect the morality especially of the youth who are idolizing them,” he said.
At the same time, they appealed to personalities to use their hearts and conscience not to support condom endorsement.
The Catholic church has repeatedly expressed rejection on the use of artificial contraceptives such as condom, saying it is immoral.
The conflict between the DOH and Catholic Church over the issue on the use of condoms started after the agency distributed free condoms at the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila last February 14.
Earlier, the CBCP led by its president Bishop Nereo Odchimar issued a statement calling for the banning of condom ad ban on television, radio and other forms of media as well as in public places. (FP/Sunnex)