US funding RP reproductive health program: bishop

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MANILA, Philippines – The US government is funding the Aquino administration’s reproductive health program, a Catholic bishop claimed Thursday.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez believes that part of the money that President Benigno Aquino III brought home from the US was allotted to promote the use of artificial contraceptives in the country.

Iñiguez, chair of the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines’ (CBCP) public affairs committee, said he was surprised with Aquino’s pro-choice stand on reproductive issues even while the CBCP has been pushing against the reproductive health bills in Congress.

Iñiguez also lashed out at the government’s intent to promote the use of artificial contraceptives by providing funds for the program.

“Palagay ko, masyado naming binibigla na maglaan agad ng budget para sa mga bagay na pinaguusapan pa lamang unless meron na silang talagang mga programa na pinatatakbo sa larangang ito,” he said.

Even if women use contraceptives, "[it] doesn't necessarily mean that it is a necessity to allot our national budget for it," he added.

Focus on social services

The prelate said the government should focus its attention on funding basic social services.

"Isa sa mga naging complaints… ay ang social services. Matagal nang napabayaan ‘yan. Iyung mga traditional na dapat pag-ukulan ng ating gobyerno ng budget para talagang makatulong sa mamamayan sa kanilang pangangailangan,” Iñiguez said.

“Nandyan yung mga nangangailangan ng hanapbuhay, Nariyan pangangailangan ng health, ng ibang mga bagay kagaya ng insurance, pagsuporta sa kanilang karamdaman,” he added.

He said the education sector also needs a larger budget allocation.

“Pagtulong sa pagsasaka, pagsuporta sa agrarian reform. Marami tayong priorities na dapat our government should consider,” he said.

“Sabi nila, malaki ang deficit ng bansa,” Iñiguez said. “Kung malaking deficit natin, so malaki ang limitasyon ng ating budget ngayon. Kaya dapat i-maximize natin sa pamamagitan ng pag-ukol soon sa talagang priority needs.”

source: abs-cbnnews.com
image source: newsflash.org