UCA News
Contribute

Filipino group attacks ‘pro-choice’ ad

Knights of Columbus member on offensive over birth control bill
Filipino group attacks ‘pro-choice’ ad
Catholics gather at the Rizal Park Friday for a rally against the reproductive health bill
Published: March 28, 2011 10:43 AM GMT
Updated: March 28, 2011 10:43 AM GMT

Filipino “pro-life” activists criticized a television advertisement that carries the “pro-choice” position of the controversial reproductive health bill now pending in the Philippine Congress. Former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., a member of the Knights of Columbus, said the TV ad, which features former congresswoman Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, “smacked of people leaving their future to chance instead of to God.” Davide said Baraquel claimed that the proposed bill provides the chance for a better future of a family. “I asked myself: have we lost our faith and trust in God that we now would leave our future to chance?” He said the Knights of Columbus might question the constitutionality of the bill before the Supreme Court if Congress passes it. Malacañang presidential palace, meanwhile, is unmoved by boxing champ and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao’s attacks against the bill. The boxing icon earlier commented that he wouldn’t have been around had his parents used condoms. “Well, personally I think people are very glad that Manny Pacquiao was born so that he can bring glory to the Philippines. But I don’t think that is the issue in the debates about the RH bill,” said Ramon Carandang, Aquino’s spokesman. “Everyone is free to express his opinion especially [Pacquiao], so that’s okay with us.” On Friday, Catholic bishops led a huge rally against the RH bill, urging legislators to either overhaul the bill or junk it altogether. Police estimated that some 40,000 people attended the rally in Luneta Park in Manila. The Vatican sent a message of encouragement that was read during the gathering. “Not for the first time, Philippine society is passing through a difficult period with all that concerns life and its defense,” said Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Cardinal Bertone in the message. PL13780.1647

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia