MANILA -- Pro-choice citizens with respect to reproductive health find an ally on environmentalist and presidential candidate Nicanor Perlas.
In an exclusive interview with Sun.Star, Perlas said he favors the “intent of the RH (Reproductive Health) bill but not the present content.”
“I-clarify ang language of abortion, dapat walang abortion. It should not even be implying abortion. I am not in favor of methods or pills that could result to abortion. Basta maklaro yung abortion, I think it's easier to get passage of the bill,” he said.
Perlas joins former President Joseph Estrada who earlier said that couples are responsible enough to decide on family planning.
He said the government should instead channel the resources for educating the public on family planning options rather than subsidizing the distribution of artificial contraceptives like condoms, intra-uterine devices (IUDs), spermicides, among others.
The 60-year-old agricultural scientist and former government consultant added that with proper education, the poor will have no excuse not to purchase condoms because they are affordable.
“Kasi ang feeling ko, the poor can afford condoms, if they can even afford spending on gambling, cigarettes, and alcohol,” Perlas said.
A Pulse Asia survey released Friday showed that six in ten Filipinos will support a candidate who made public support for modern family planning methods. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)