RSSCEBU CITY, Philippines (UCAN) — Pro-life leaders have vowed to back Benigno Aquino III’s arch-rival because he does not support the reproductive health bill.
The 111 participants at the National Pro-Life Leaders Summit committed to “vigorously campaign” for Manuel Villar, Jr. for the top political job. But they will support Aquino’s running mate, Mar Roxas, for vice president as he opposes the bill.
They also listed “acceptable” congressional candidates.
“We were challenged to do our part, to provide a list of people that the voters can consider,” Rene Bullecer, Human Life International (HLI) country director said.
Their groups will within 10 days post their preferred candidates’ photos on church grounds.
Participants from around the country included members of Pro-Life Philippines Foundation Inc. and El Shaddai, the country’s largest Catholic Charismatic community.
Bullecer told reporters the meeting had studied candidates’ bio data, personal and career background, their stands on the reproductive health bill, the death penalty and abortion.
“We are trying to create a pro-life, pro-family vote… we are not trying to create a Catholic vote,” Church-based Task Force for Family and Life president Douglas Gacasan said.
He said delegates chose from a shortlist that included Senator Aquino, deposed president Joseph Estrada, former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Villar.
Nine candidates are running for president and eight for vice president.
Participants chose Senator Villar because he opposed the bill, which Bullecer said violated Catholic teachings on contraceptives.
Administration bet Teodoro emerged as the second choice of the pro-life leaders.
Aquino was already in the Church’s sights.
Last October, Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of Cebu issued a statement saying Aquino’s attitude toward population issues was a “great disappointment.”
That time, Aquino said he was leaving the decision on the type of family planning method to use to couples.
Aquino and Villar were “statistically tied” with 36 percent and 34 percent of the vote at first place in the Social Weather Stations (SWS) presidential survey conducted from Feb. 24-28.
Bullecer said the summit was held to celebrate the “successful campaign” against the passage of the Reproductive Health bill in Congress.
Participants were preparing for “the more intense battle after the elections,” which they expect will see a revived move to change the constitution.
PV09071.1592 March 10, 2010 49 EM-lines (373 words)
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