MANILA, July 16, 2008—Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the real problem facing the country today is poverty and not the growing population as some people may claim.

In an interview with Catholic-run Veritas 846, the prelate said the Philippines is saddled with many problems, from unemployment to rising prices of prime commodities, to graft and corrupt practices, which continue to keep the country and people poor.

“We should not blame the rising population because it is the Filipino people who sustain whatever gains we have today as shown by the country’s human resources,” Bishop Pabillo said in Pilipino.

“We should not even look at people as expense as people in government should put an end to poverty,” he further added.

When asked whether the Catholic Church is coercing lawmakers to abandon the pending reproductive health bill at the House of Representatives, the CBCP Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace said the Church hierarchy is in a persuasive campaign.

“How can there be coercion?” the prelate asked. He explained the proposed legislation threatens medical practitioners administrative sanctions should they refuse to involve themselves in artificial birth control practices.

“This is in violation of a medical practitioner’s human rights, especially if he cannot take its provisions in conscience,” the prelate said.

Pabillo said the Catholic Church is not against family planning. “Parents should plan their families through responsible parenthood [and] through education,” he further explained.

Asked if Sex Education among the country’s young would be of any help, Pabillo said there is a very strong possibility such would focus on techniques rather than values of sexuality. He said “sex is sacred and that life is a gift from God.” (Melo Acuna)