Women's groups, HIV patients rally behind Cabral

MANILA, Philippines - Women’s organizations, HIV/AIDS patients and representatives of non-government organizations will rally in support of embattled Secretary Esperanza Cabral in front of the Department of Health (DOH) office in Manila at 10 a.m. today.

Cabral incurred the ire of Catholic bishops when the DOH distributed free condoms on the eve of Valentine’s Day at the Dangwa flower market in Manila as part of the campaign to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Last week, Cabral also said the DOH would resume providing contraceptive pills to interested couples.

“We are glad that Secretary Cabral and her department remain steadfast in implementing programs that should have been conducted by the government long ago despite the pressures and threats thrown at her by some leaders of the Catholic Church,” the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) said in a statement.

The PLCPD said they will also distribute condoms in today’s rally.

Lipa City Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes demanded Cabral’s resignation for distributing condoms, saying condoms promote sexual promiscuity among the youth.

Government data showed that in 2004, confirmed HIV cases in the country reached 199. The number of cases rose to 629 from 2007 to 2009.

The disease has infected even teenagers as young as 16 years old, young professionals, and medical practitioners.

Cabral said health workers from international aid agencies and local government units will be present during the distribution of contraceptive pills to make sure the recipients receive proper information and access to reproductive health services.

A Malacañang official earlier said President Arroyo will not stop Cabral from distributing contraceptive pills.