Pope reminds Pinoy bishops to be firm vs RH bill

MANILA, Philippines - With the debates over the Reproductive Health (RH) bill to be revived once Congress resumes session on July 25, Pope Benedict XVI reminded Filipino bishops to be firm in their position against the bill.

In a one-page letter sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Bishop Nereo Odchimar on the occasion of its 103rd Plenary Assembly, Bertone said:

“The Holy Father was pleased to be informed of the Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines being held in Manila from 9-11 July 2011. He greets all the bishops and assures them of his spiritual closeness.”

The letter added: “His Holiness prays that this time for reflection and renewed dedication in the service of the Gospel will bear abundant fruit for the Church and the society. He encourages the bishops in their efforts in defense of the value of each human life, of the sacredness of marriage, and of the family. Entrusting your deliberations to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, the Holy Father willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and joy in our Lord.”

CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Juanito Figura was furnished a copy of the letter from the Pontiff.

The Plenary Assembly, held at the Pope Pius Center along United Nations Avenue, Manila, would be attended by active and retired bishops. During the three-day gathering, they would hear the reports of the episcopal commissions and discuss other matters such as the funds given by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to some bishops and, of course, the RH bill. 

The CBCP has been a staunch critic of the family planning measure, contending that some of the family planning methods may cause abortion and that it would encourage promiscuity.

Odchimar has said the Church’s campaign against the RH bill had been difficult.

“We have been in difficult times which were made more difficult because of the situation and issues being raised,” he said.  

Bishops have been meeting with lawmakers in their respective dioceses to convince them to withdraw their support for the bill. The CBCP has also launched a website of resource materials on life and family.