Health workers in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga distribute condoms for free to sex workers and the public. (Photo by Jimmy Domingo)
A Philippine Catholic bishop has called on the government to stop the sale of condoms in grocery and convenience stores.
"We would like the government to really to do their best not to make those things available," said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon.
He said condoms should not be available "over the counter" so that young people will not have access to it.
Bishop Bastes said making contraceptives available to young people will only encourage them to engage in "premarital and other immoral activities."
The prelate made the statement following an announcement by the Department of Health that it will be distributing condoms in schools starting next year.
Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said the health department will work with the Department of Education to implement the program to fight the spread of HIV among young people.
The minister assured that there will be counseling sessions to prepare schools, teachers, and students for the distribution of the contraceptives.
A bishops' conference official, however, expressed concern over the plan.
"Distributing condoms will only condone sexual activity among students," said Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the conference's public affairs office.
He said the government will only be wasting money. "Granting the students will, in fact, not engage in sex, for what purpose will the condom serve now?" said the priest.
Instead of distributing condoms, Father Secillano urged the government to focus in the education of the public about HIV and AIDS.
"The government should invest more in educating people about the perils of sporadic sexual activity than procuring and distributing condoms," said the priest.
Father Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the Commission on Youth of the bishops' conference, said the health department is distributing condoms because it is the only program that the government has.
The priest said the church should continue its mandate to "educate and form people" about the dignity of every person and to promote understanding on the "theology of the body."
Bishop Bastes, however, maintained that the plan to distribute condoms to young people is "absolutely immoral [and] absolutely irresponsible."
The Department of Health said there were 3,112 new HIV/AIDS cases documented in July to October this year, bringing the total for 2016 to 7,756.
At least 62 percent of new HIV cases in 2016 were among young people between 15 and 24 years old, according to health department figures.