MANILA, Sept. 16, 2009─The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on lawmakers not to hasten the passage of a controversial family planning bill and give a healthy debate on the matter a chance.

While time is running out for its proponents because of the upcoming elections, Church leaders revealed the alleged plan to “railroad” the passage of the Reproductive Health bill.

Outgoing CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said it appears the Congress even plans to “shorten” the discussion in order to have the measure passed before the end of October.

“We hope that the normal process of discussion and interpellation be observed, that the congressmen who have signified the interpellation on the RH bill be honored and given the opportunity to interpellate,” he said.

“To shorten the period of interpellation would give the impression that the passage of RH bill is “lutong macaw”, not judiciously and sufficiently discussed,” Lagdameo added.

For Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Commission on Family and Life, the more time for legislators and the people to study the bill, the “great chances” for them to oppose it.

“In fact our pro-life legislators are telling us that they’re not afraid to debate. But the problem is some lawmakers are planning to cut the discussion short,” he said.

According to the priest, such a sensible issue should be given enough time for deliberation by all parties concerned.

Aquino hit

Church leaders also issued a forceful appeal to Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to reconsider his stance on a controversial family planning bill.

The Church officials said that the faithful should support candidates who are opposed to the passage of the Reproductive Health bill, a position that could affect Aquino’s candidacy.

Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo urged the presidential aspirant to withdraw his authorship of and support for the Senate consolidated RH bill filed last March.

“He might able to get the support of the bishops if he will oppose the passage of the RH bill,” said Bagaforo.

‘Worried’

Fr. Castro called on Aquino, who has rated strongly in a recent survey of presidential contenders, to “clarify” his position and take a “more open view.”

He said they are “worried” over Aquino’s current stand on the issue.

“Like other candidates, he really has to explicitly state his stand about these values and issues and we will encourage voters to vote based on their positions,” Castro said.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal earlier said he is now considering whether Aquino should be included in the Church’s list of politicians who should not be voted.

He said he was disappointed to learn that the senator is a member of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development, an organization pushing for population control.

Bloc voting

Castro also said the Church’s family and life ministry with its affiliate groups nationwide might resort to bloc voting in the 2010 elections to ensure the defeat of “anti-life” politicians.

Bloc voting, the priest said, means urging the Catholic faithful to go for candidates supporting the Church’s position on RH bill.

One of the provisions of the measure is the use of contraceptives in family planning which is fiercely opposed by the Church.

Some bishops warn that the church’s official backing in the next year’s elections will only be given to those who oppose the bill on maternal health care.

At present, the government leaves family planning issues to local governments and few of them advocate artificial contraception.

The Church advocates abstinence to control population. (Roy Lagarde)