President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, August 27, reiterated his support for family planning and pushed for the program’s revival in the next three years.
“Ang isang kulang na lang natin actually na how to get it started and you know get it rolling beginning at least in the next three years, ‘yang ibalik ninyo ‘yung family planning (One thing we lack is actually how to get it started and you know get it rolling beginning at least in the next three years. Let’s bring back family planning),” he said in a speech during the 31st anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
“I know of only two guys, presidents, who did it and it was [former President Fidel] Ramos who was a Protestant and ako na talagang pinipilit ko sa aking siyudad (and me who pushed for it in my city),” he added.
During Ramos’ term, he emphasized reproductive health and human rights as a policy framework for the implementation of family planning programs.
Meanwhile, Duterte gave away birth control pills and urged job-seeking mothers to undergo ligation when he was mayor of Davao City.
The president also urged everyone to not depend on religion when it comes to family planning methods.
“Do not place too much importance about religion. Tutok ka lang sa Diyos (Focus on God). When you are in a moral quandary, do not go to your religion. It cannot help you. Maniwala kayo (Believe me),” Duterte said.
“At 74 years old, I’m telling you. You go direct to your God and pray and ask for guidance, especially in matters of — ‘yang kasalanan ‘yang mag-family planning (that family planning is a sin),” he added.
On the other hand, Duterte ruled out the possibility of abortion being legalized in the country, saying he will not allow it.
“Of course, abortion is out of the question. I will not allow it,” he said, before proceeding to slam Iceland for allowing abortion for up to six months of the pregnancy.
Duterte criticized the country for worrying more about the drug pushers who he said cause “social dysfunction” while allowing the “slaughter” of unborn babies, referring to Iceland’s push for a United Nations probe into the human rights situation in the Philippines.
“Iceland allows the slaughter of the fetus inside the womb of the mother up to six months. They worry more of the drug lords at itong mga who are pushing drugs, killing our citizens, and creating a social dysfunction in almost all,” he said.
“Tapos tinuturuan ako kung ano ang gawin ko (And then they are dictating me what to do). I am sorry for you. That’s why you are condemned there in the ice forever. I hope you will freeze in time,” he added.
Recently, Iceland passed a law allowing the termination of a pregnancy up to 22 weeks for any reason.
“Just imagine. Six months. You allow an innocent human being already thriving and living inside the mother’s body and… just pull it,” Duterte said.
I agree that religion should not be the reason for advocating family planning. Getting married and have a family is a responsibility. It should be emphasized that your reproductive/sexual ability is to be responsible for the outcome of your behavior. A child can always come out of it.
Both men and women should feel the responsibility. NOT JUST THE PLEASURE. None of the Catholic religious leaders are obligated in the financial and moral responsibilities of having children and family They are not parents. They do not have to think where to get the money to pay for food, clothing, education, and roofs over their heads. There is nothing in the bible that forbids men and women in using contraception.
One of the ten commandments emphasizes not to kill. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, use medical technology. The doctors were guided by God to invent and discover these technologies to prevent countless murders!! Teach men and women how to respect their human bodies.
The New York Governor Cuomo signed the bill legalizing abortion at 36 weeks!!! And he is a Catholic!!! ( Did the Catholic Church in the US and Vatican condemned him about it???? The women in the democratic party in the US are pushing to maintain the legalization of abortion -justifying that it is the right of the woman what to do with their bodies!! Have they advocated for women to be responsible and respect their bodies??These women who advocate for the rights of women are actually bullying women to believe what they are advocating is morally right!! Besides contraceptions, they can always say NO when their partners want to have sex.
There are so many options to avoid having a child born in this world from unprepared couples. YES for Family Planning in the Philippines in preventing contraceptions. NO for the US Planned Parenthood that advocates abortion!! Advocate FOR RESPECTING YOUR BODIES AND RESPONSIBLE SEX!!