Ill-conceived ordinance

After spending barangay funds for legal experts and despite the junking of its original “anti-pills and condoms” ordinance, officials of Barangay Ayala Alabang proposed yet another ordinance calling for an across the board ban on the sale and distribution of condoms and contraceptives to minors. And just like the first time, the Muntinlupa City Council remanded the ordinance which critics have dubbed as “ill conceived.” 

For one, the proposal violated the “one subject, one title” rule in drafting ordinances, lumping together the protection of the unborn with that of the “un-conceived.” Second, the barangay council is in no position to impose an outright ban because there are instances when pills are prescribed for the treatment of medical conditions afflicting minors such as acne and hormonal imbalance. As for condoms, everyone knows these are sold over the counter which means they are not regulated or prohibited drugs, and that they are not the same as cigarettes or liquors whose ill effects have been documented.

The City Council also took the barangay officials to task for usurping the powers of the Food and Drug Administration which has the sole authority to order the ban, recall or withdrawal of any health product found to have caused serious illness or injury to a consumer. Besides, the proponents had no data showing that the prohibition contributes to the prevention of any “evil” the barangay wishes to avoid. But perhaps the most compelling reason in turning down the proposed ordinance is the barangay’s implicit usurpation of parents’ authority. Some parents may teach their children about abstinence while there are those who may want to educate their children regarding protection through the use of pills and condoms – but the bottom line is that parents have the last say on all aspects regarding the welfare of minors.

Residents of Ayala Alabang who have been fighting the passage of the ordinance lauded the decision of the Muntinlupa City Council, saying that the ruling should serve as an eye opener to the ongoing debates about the proposed RH bill. In the first place, the Catholic Church and anti-RH bill proponents have no right to usurp the authority of couples to decide for themselves the number of children they want to have and the method they want to employ as long as it is not abortion. Besides, the rhythm method which the Catholic Church espouses is also another form of contraception if you think about it, observers noted, adding that the same goes for the so-called “withdrawal” method.

Ironies and contradictions in ARMM poll issue

With the ARMM election up for hearing at the Senate today, a lot of people couldn’t help but note a lot of ironies and contradictions on the issue, primarily the fact that it was the government of Cory Aquino that conceived Muslim autonomy but it is now her son that wants to cancel the Aug. 8 elections that would give Muslims the right to chart their destiny through the ballot. That it is Senator Bongbong Marcos who is against the deferment of the ARMM elections – insisting on consultations to be held first to determine the true sentiments of the Muslim Mindanaoans – did not escape the notice of many who are also concerned about the potential discord and chaos the postponement would bring. For one, the group of former Tawi-Tawi governor Almarim Tillah is threatening a jihad or holy war if the August elections will be postponed, saying it will be their only option to protect the gains of Muslim autonomy. 

P-Noy’s aunt Tingting Cojuangco wants to run for vice governor of the ARMM, and though the administration has repeatedly said she is not the official candidate, people couldn’t help but wonder especially because, as veteran election lawyer Romy Makalintal pointed out, Malacañang officials say they are ready to field candidates which is contradictory to the administration’s stand in postponing the elections. So which is which? No doubt the Senators will be walking the tightrope on this issue – and they have to make sure they will not be on the “wrong side of history” on this one. 

P-Noy included in smoking ban

Coming on the heels of the latest Global Adults Tobacco Survey that said as many as 17.3 million Filipinos are smokers and that 55 percent admitted being exposed to second-hand smoke when they take public transportation, the Metro Manila Development Authority will be expanding the areas covered by the smoking ban which has been in existence since 2003 but has been largely ignored and un-imposed. President Noy who reportedly smokes more now than he ever did before he became president, will naturally be covered by the smoking ban – although Palace officials insist this will not be a problem since the president does not smoke in public places.

According to the GATS survey, men and women belonging to the poorer sector also spend more on cigarettes than on other basic commodities – and these findings should serve as a wakeup call for legislators to consider imposing more drastic measures to curb smoking in the country, one of which is to raise excise taxes and using a more fool-proof method of collection than the one we currently have today.

Spy tidbits

– Spy Bits sources say the move to oust Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez is being instigated by powerful people who also have connections with the current administration. These powerful individuals are also allegedly involved in nefarious activities – and they are hell-bent on taking out Alvarez because he is proving to be a big hindrance to their (monkey) business.

– The “Tony Leviste prison caper” has brought out typical Filipino humor once again. According to the text message sent to me by Weber Shandwick president and CEO Mike Toledo, the former Batangas governor will soon have a new TV show with the title, “Bilibid or not!”

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