By Joann Santiago
MANILA, Jan. 21 (PNA) — A Palace official on Wednesday said there is no need to fight on the best method on how to be responsible parents in the Philippine, saying all options are provided under the Reproductive Health law.
In a briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Republic Act (RA) 10354, otherwise known as “The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012″ provides couples all possible ways to plan their family.
Lacierda said that Malacanang is not choosing certain methods over the others.
“The Palace is siding on the fact that the methods are all there before you. What is important is that we make sure that our child is raised and become productive members of the society,” he said.
The issue on responsible parenthood became a hot topic again after Pope Francis, while on his way to Rome from a five-day State and Papal visit in the Philippines from Jan. 15-19, 2015, said the church remained against any form of artificial contraception but pointed out couples should not keep on having kids just to be able to follow the Church’s teachings.
”Some believe that – excuse the expression – to be good Catholics we must be like rabbits. No. Responsible parenthood. This is clear, and for this reason in the Church here are matrimonial groups, experts in this. I know of many, many legitimate ways to achieve this,” he said.
Lacierda said the Pope’s statement on responsible parenthood was similar to what the Aquino administration was pushing through the RH Law.
”So, mahalaga sa Pangulo [at] mahalaga rin sa bawat magulang na ang bawat anak na magkakaroon sila dapat alagaan ng husto. And that’s where responsible parenthood comes in. (It is important for the President and important also for every parent to take good care of every child that they will have. And that’s where responsible parenthood comes in),” he said.
”Bottom line is: the family is the foundation of a strong society. We need to encourage that, we need to protect that. And having – bringing into the world children that we can make sure that will grow healthy, that will be intellectually prepared, that will be mentally and physically healthy, that’s a responsibility of parent,” he said.
Relatively, Lacierda issued a statement that disclosed President Benigno Aquino III’s five-point position on responsible parenthood.
These are:
1. I am against abortion.
2. I am in favor of giving couples the right to choose how best to manage their families so that in the end, their welfare and that of their children are best served.
3. The State must respect each individual’s right to follow his or her conscience and religious convictions on matters and issues pertaining to the unity of the family and the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death.
4. In a situation where couples, especially the poor and disadvantaged ones, are in no position to make an informed judgment, the State has the responsibility to provide.
5. In the range of options and information provided to couples, natural family planning and modern methods shall be presented as equally available. (PNA)