President Benigno Aquino yesterday omitted references to a pending bill on reproductive health from a speech, ignoring requests from bishops opposed to the bill to clarify the government’s policy.

Aquino talked about the accomplishments of his government, including his campaign against graft and corruption in government and poverty alleviation, but skipped the controversial issue of the RH bill.

Bishops against the bill had last weekend urged Aquino to clarify the government’s policy on it, warning it is crafted based on “secularist and materialistic spirit” and may destroy society morally.