PB takes stand vs. RHB

CEBU, Philippines - After being briefed on the pros and cons of the controversial Reproductive Healthcare Bill, the Cebu Provincial Board yesterday unanimously passed a resolution opposing the measure now pending in Congress.

The resolution was introduced by Board Member Sergio Restauro, chairman of the PB committee on health, but was co-sponsored by all members. Only Board Member Aladin Wilyamie Caminero who represents the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation was absent.

The PB action supported the stand of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebuano congressmen who are against the proposed bill.

Restauro cited economic, health and legal perspectives why there is neither wisdom nor legal support for the RH Bill.

He said that the government will be spending billions of pesos through the years in procuring contraceptives and condoms instead of allocating it for more essential and suitable projects like housing medicines and education if such measures be enacted.

Restauro, a doctor by profession, said that contraceptives fail a certain percentage of the time.

A five percent failure rate means that five percent of the couples using a certain method will be pregnant at the end of the year, he said adding that it also gives a false sense of security that leads to risky sexual behavior resulting to more unplanned pregnancies and hence more abortions.

Restauro said that improved access to basic health care, nutrition, medicines and technology are the additional means by which maternal mortality and morbidity can be reduced and eliminated, not contraceptives.

“RH Bill contains provisions which are contrary to the teachings of the Church on faith and morals and even of pertinent provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution,” he said.

Restauro also cited that the bill violates most of the Ten Commandments because it promotes greed and lust.

It will also lead to the death of thousands of Filipino babies from abortifacient contraceptives and pave the way for abortion, he added.

The PB earlier invited speakers who could explain to them both sides of the issue before coming out with an official stand.

Dr. Milagros Chan of the Obstetric and Gynecology of the Cebu Doctors University Hospital for the pro-RH and Rene Bullecer for the anti-RH.   - (THE FREEMAN)