Pinoys ‘lack discipline’ in traffic, population management

Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has likened the country’s unruly street traffic to lack of discipline in population management.

“In our country, there is a common denominator between traffic and population problem -–both show no signs of discipline,” Rosales said before 12,000 people at Friday’s 40th anniversary of Humanae Vitae (Human Life).

Rosales said while the Lord has taught the faithful to have discipline at home, on the streets, in school and in government, “unfortunately, there is no discipline.” “Just look at the traffic, see how undisciplined. That is a reflection that there is no discipline in the house,” he said.

Rosales reminded couples that the Catholic Church considers abortion a “terrible crime” and the “worst kind of sin” because the unborn child is helpless.

“The unborn child did not choose to be created and given life, and he could not fight back at his parents, who are sometimes assisted by doctors or nurses, when they kill him,” he said.

Rosales said people just have to practice self-discipline and learn the proper birth spacing of their children. When a woman becomes pregnant, she is transferring life, which is a sacred obligation, he added.

He said the teachings of Pope Paul VI, who came up with the encyclical letter on Humanae Vitae, should be coupled with responsible parenthood – what the former pontiff used to call human parenting.

Rosales also called on Filipinos not to forget the poor.

“Believe me, you would not be able to enter heaven if you do not show love for the poor,” he said. “Heaven is for those who love the poor. Care and protection should be given to the family.”

Rosales founded the Pondo ng Pinoy, a foundation encouraging everyone to save at least 25 centavos a day in a bottle or any container, and donate it to the Church to fund its pro-poor projects.