Munti mayor: Ayala Alabang contraceptive, sex ed ban 'illegal'

MANILA, Philippines - Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said yesterday an ordinance passed by the Barangay Ayala Alabang council banning the sale of contraceptives without a prescription and the teaching of sex education in schools violates existing national laws on family planning.

While some barangay council members said the ordinance is still being finalized, Ayala Alabang spokesman Luis Sison said in a television interview that the ordinance has taken effect and is being implemented.

“They cannot act as if they are a separate republic… They are still under my administrative supervision,” San Pedro said, according to city public information chief Omar Acosta.

Acosta said as far as San Pedro is concerned, the ordinance cannot be implemented unless the barangay officials comply with the city council’s Jan. 24 order to revise the measure. He said the barangay council has yet to reply to the city council’s order.

Acosta said if barangay officials push through with implementing the ordinance in its current form, they can be administratively charged.

The ordinance, passed by the barangay council on Jan. 3, “cannot be implemented. It’s as if it doesn’t exist as far as the city is concerned,” Acosta told The STAR.

In an earlier interview, Councilor Raul Corro said their Jan. 24 letter effectively stops the 30-day period in which the Muntinlupa council has to take action on the barangay ordinance.