Tagbilaran Bishop Mendroso urges vigilance

vs RH Bill“Although it is good news to us Catholics against the RH bill, we should be cautious because they

might still work on it in subtle ways,”

“I hope our prolife congressmen will be vigilant because (other representatives) might work on it behind our backs,”

By: Jose Carlo Tonogbanua

What is a RH Bill? The Reproductive Health bills, popularly

known as the RH Bill, are Philippine Bills aiming to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. The bills have become the center of a contentious national debate.

There are presently two bills with the same goals: House Bill No. 4244 or An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes & Senate Bill No. 2378 or An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development.

What is happening? Is the newspaper reporting reliable?

It very much is. This article was written by Jocelyn R. Uy for the Philippine Inquirer and was published on February 2, 2012. The article is about RH bill, which was passed last 2010 on the House and Senate, which would be the least of their priority especially now because of the CJ Trial.

Why is this a social problem?

Because it’s a conflict between the legion and the population growth of the country, which is one of the most difficult problems because it is inclined with poverty.

VS

Poverty: More fun in the Philippines

Is this a national, regional, or local problem? Is this social problem global as well?

It does indeed fall under national, regional and local problems. However, I am not sure that there is such as RH bill or the likes in other countries.

What are the causes and harmful effects of this problem?

By following the RH bill, the population of our country will be controlled. However, it would be against our Catholic beliefs.

Why is this a problem of religious faith and justice?

It is a problem because religiously speaking, God told us to spread Christianity which can be done by bearing more children. On the contrary, the more the population, the more POVERTY rises.

MORE POPULATION = HIGHER CHANCE OF

POVERTY

What major lessons/themes/principles of Catholic Social Teachings are violated or contradicted by the social problem? Explain why a specific lesson is violated or contradicted.

Human DignityEvery human being should not be deprived of life.

Community & the Common GoodOur Church teaches that the role of the government is to

protect human life and human dignity and promote the common good.

Rights and ResponsibilitiesEvery person has a fundamental right to life and a right to

those things required for human decency.

What are the government officials doing about it?

Presently, this bill is under observation by our local government officials. There are many debates regarding this issue because this issue bears a silver lining between Catholic morality and practicality especially nowadays.

Pia Cayetano and Juan Ponce Enrile

debating on RH bill.

What can you do about it?

Personally, I prefer to have less children, not because of the RH bill, but to have a more practical life. In this case, I’m still following my Catholic virtues, at the same time, dealing less with poverty.

What can others do about it?

I think it depends on the person. Everyone has his/her own judgment and we need to respect that.