Final Words

                After thirty-five blogs, I think I think I can now say that I have run out of words to say about the Reproductive Health Bill. With this last blog, I would probably summarize everything I have said about the R.H. Bill over the past seven weeks. I will attempt to summarize everything I have said as simple as possible and in five hundred words. I will say what I now think about the Reproductive Health Bill. Honestly, it’s quite tiring to write thirty-five blogs. So I am actually relieved that this argument is about to come to an end for me.

                The Reproductive Health Bill controversy is an issue that has the potential to be a sophisticated argument about morality and ethics if it weren’t for the primitive reasoning the Filipino culture has attempted to defend it. The concept of ethics in this country is somewhat deluded and even hypocritical that it is hard to take any argument brought up by anyone seriously. Even the so-called “religion” that has attempted to go against the R.H. Bill is filled with nothing more than fancy words about morality that came from priests with nothing more than hot air and over-developed pride. To be a part of this argument is to subject oneself to shallow reasoning and repeated arguments that make no sense and leads to more arguments that make even lesser sense. Misconceptions also exist in the Reproductive Health Bill controversy because those who take part in this argument partly have no idea of what they are defending or trying to attack. If only better arguments were formulated about this issue then I’m sure that it would have been even more interesting.

                Although I believe that the Reproductive Health Bill should be implemented for the sake of those who are stupid enough to get knocked up at the wrong time, I no longer wish to take part in any argument about the R.H. Bill. If someone were to ask me what my side is in the future, I would simply say who gives a sh*+? R.H. Bill or no R.H. Bill, I have lost faith in the system of this country to provide any possible salvation to its people. One day we’ll improve because of some minor success brought about by a professional athlete or the decrease of the prizes of products then the next day we’ll be back in our state of lifestyle where we have to save up because everything is too expensive. The R.H. Bill issue is no different. It provides a possible relief where our country’s population might be stable for a while but in the end, we’ll all go back to our old pathetic lifestyle and our threshold of happiness would once again decrease. Now I ask you this: Is this really what everyone has been fighting about? Do you still really want to take part in an argument where the end result is a situation where nothing has really changed? Because for me, this argument has lost its importance. 

R.H. Bill in the Wizard World

            For humour, I will try to associate the concept of Reproductive Health Bill J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. Actually, because of the hypnotic plot the Harry Potter series provides, readers would often miss several issues of family planning inside the book. In my opinion, the R.H. Bill should be passed not only in the muggle world but also in the wizard world. I believe that the wizard world in the Harry Potter Novel also needs the R.H. Bill because, just like us muggles, the wizard world also lacks the concept of family planning.

            The Harry Potter saga actually provides its viewers with an in-depth view of society and its problems. One of its main focuses is the obvious gap in the social hierarchy between the rich and the poor. J.K. Rowling made this distinction between social classes obvious in two wizard families namely the Weasleys and the Malfoys. The Weasleys and the Malfoys are actually a clichéd description of how families in the elite social class and families in the lower social class act based on their lifestyle and personalities.

            Think about it: the Weasleys are a family living on a minimum wage salary brought home by the father (Arthur Weasley) who works in the Ministry of Magic under the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office. The Mususe of Muggle Artefacts Office was not held in high regard, it was considered by Ron to be the most boring job at the Ministry. It was located in a tiny office, apparently only staffed by Arthur Weasley and his assistant, Perkins. Percy Weasley also claimed that his father had a poor reputation because he lacked ambition and did not receive a large salary, implying that his position as head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office was neither well-respected nor well-paid. Combining this to the number of children they have (7), it’s no surprise that they struggle every year in sending their sons and daughter to school. It’s also no surprise that the best school supplies they could give their children were hand-me-down robes and second-hand books. It was even said indicated in the second book (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) that they could hardly afford the expensive books required for Defence Against the Dark Arts because the author was Gilderoy Lockheart.

            Now look at the Malfoys: They hold a elite position society where Lucius Malfoy holds a respectable position in the Ministry of Magic. He also has several allies above the social class (though it was obtained through deceit and trickery). They have only one son and can afford to give him the best luxuries in life. They also have a big-ass mansion and house elves as servants.

            If you compare the two families, there is an obvious difference between the Malfoys and the Weasleys. Even though the reason why the Weasleys had so many kids was because they wanted a daughter, it still indicated a lack of family planning on their part and that was why they were struggling financially. Obviously, the R.H. Bill is also an issue in the Wizard Community because there are families in that world who lack the proper education for family planning. :P

Children As Young As 5 Should Understand The R.H. Bill

It’s been a decade since the non-stop argument about the Reproductive Health Bill but over the past year, the R.H. Bill argument has gained momentum what with the pro-R.H. Bill faction pushing for change and choice and the anti-R.H. Bill faction moving heaven and earth just to stop the progress of the argument.

            One of the attacks done by those who are against the R.H. Bill is the all “moral” question of “do you want your children as young as 5 years old to learn about sex?” Now I’ve been contemplating about whether that’s a real question or a sarcastic one. When someone asks me the question of whether children as young as 5 years old should learn about sex I would probable answer “Why not?” To be honest, I don’t really believe that the concept of sex should be kept from children because it is as natural as breathing. Why should we keep the concept of sex hidden away from children? Eventually they learn about it and start exploring anyway right? Like any overprotective and over-reacting parent, the only reason why people believe that exposing the concept of sex to children is that it risks exposing children to the reality of the world. In a sense, isn’t that the same as keeping children ignorant?

            Why should we keep the concept of sex hidden from children? Even at the young age of 5, kids do already have some questions related to gender and sex. As the kids grow older, the questions grow more mature and complicated. Do parents really want to wait up to the point where they cannot communicate with their children anymore to explain the concept of sex? True they may not fully understand sex when you explain it to them at such a young age but the least you can do is educate them that having sex at a very young age is wrong.. It’s actually the right age to teach them about what’s bad about sex at such a young age because that is when they start processing information and learning about what is right and what is wrong. Explaining sex to teenagers would be a more futile effort because by that age, they would already have their own versions of what is right and what is wrong and you are less likely to get through to them.

            The problem here is that parents try to avoid the topic of sex as much as possible because it feels too awkward talking about it with their children. But is it really a good idea to keeping hiding that information? Would you really want to wait up to the point where they’ll learn about sex from their friends until you decide to step in? Who do you think teenagers will listen to more; their parents or their friends? Unfortunately, these kids would learn about sex and reproduction through friends are often as dumb about the subject as the person they got the information from. Talk about the blind leading the blind. And it is at this point that the whole barrage of misinformation and myths start and sometimes will culminate into teen pregnancy or other complications regarding relationship with another person.

            Yes, I believe that children should be exposed to sex as early as possible. If we do that, we might just create a new culture where the concept of sex is not such a secret to everyone. It shouldn’t even be a secret because everyone does it.           

A Review On Carlos Celdran 1

One of the most noticeable moments that occurred during the Reproductive Health Bill Controversy was the memorable actions of Carlos Celdran that enraged several church officials. Last September 30, 2010, Carlos Celdran did what most of us could only hope to achieve. He a gave voice to the growing number of secularists in the country, a voice to those who are sick of the undue influence the Catholic Church holds over society. Arrested and detained for “offending the feelings of the faithful” after his daring stunt, Celdran became an overnight sensation. And we know this for a fact because his Facebook fan page skyrocketed to almost 15 thousand fans. On a more important note, this provided an avenue for people to actually have intellectual discourses regarding the issue.

            There was no doubt about it that Carlos Celdran’s actions have spiked several positive and negative opinions from the public. Here are several opinions posted by different people about Carlos Celdran’s actions:

Lino Bruce: My God! Self promotion! Plain stupidity! He should have not done that! Idol pa naman kita sa tourism industry! Gamitin mo naman utak mo! Stupid move!

Nico: He is educated which is why he did what he did. Only geniuses can pull off something like that. The Catholic Church threatened the government with civil disobedience because of PNoy’s support of informed choices of family planning and Carlos just showed them what civil disobedience looks and feels like.

Silvestre flores: Carlos is a an intellectual mand who knew the no.1 reason why the philippines is backward and poor?–He knew it well that it is the Catholic church which is the problem followed by corruption.I am sure he will get more support to AWAKENED ordinary pilipinos about the negative INFLUENCE of the church on everyday life in Philippines

Observer: Oh yeah, I’m a Catholic, and I find it extremely shameful that instead of TALKING to the man and DISCUSSING what’s wrong, which is what THE PRIESTS TAUGHT ME to do in all my years as a student in Catholic schools, the priests instead sends this guy to PRISON.
Talk about HYPOCRISY!
Talk about the message that they are sending to us!
And the Philippine Catholic Church wonders why there are so many lapsed Catholics or why we Pinoys do not take our religion seriously…
I just know that there is a group of young priests out there just itching to get heard above the zealotry of the old guard. May God give them the strength and use this incident to truly save my beloved Church.

            In this article I have attempted showed you the different opinions of people regarding his actions. In the next article I will state my own opinion about Carlos Celdran’s actions and why I admire his actions and why I consider his actions unique and creative. Though some people may call him insane and ignorant, I actually consider him different and intellectual. I will also state my opinion on why I consider those who condemn Celdran as ignorant and insane.

Source: http://www.bobreyes.com/myblog/2010/09/30/carlos-celdran-lands-in-jail/

Population Control Agenda of the R.H. Bill

Last June, 2011, a blog written by James Cordova pointed out a perspective about the Reproductive Health Bill being a means of population control. He claims that population is not the issue when it comes to poverty because it is not the lack of resources that is causing the problem; rather, it is the improper allocation of resources that is the cause of povery.

According to those who are pushing for the RH bill, we need the RH law in order to arrest the population growth of the country, a growth that is the alleged cause of the poverty that is pervasive in the Philippines. The premise of this argument – that the Philippines is poor because it has too many mouths to feed – is contentious, if not flat-out wrong.

Poverty in the Philippines is never about limited resources; it is always about who controls these resources. While it is true that cutting down the number of Filipinos would obviously mean lesser mouths to feed, the population control agenda does not address the root cause of the poverty, which is the control by the few of the country’s vast and rich resources.

The political economy of the Philippines is defined by the presence during the past century of foreign multinational and transnational corporations that turn vast tracts of land into their own plantations and fiefdoms, siphoning off profits at the expense of local communities. While this political economy has somehow evolved and changed over the decades, its main feature remains constant — a few controls the economy while the majority toil in poverty, low wages and landlessness.

                I disagree with Cordova’s opinion in disregarding overpopulation as a factor in poverty. That reason why I disagree with him is because one cannot deny that the reason why some families are so poor is because they have too many mouths to feed. Technically, one person living off a jeepney driver’s salary will be able to survive without too much hardship. The reason why he can barely get by is because he has half a dozen mouths to feed. Now, I’m not saying that the number of people in this country is the reason why we can’t rise above poverty but one certainly cannot simply disregard it and say it isn’t important.

                Cordova, however, did have some interesting points in his blog about the R.H. Bill is not supposed to be the sole solution to overpopulation because people should explore the possibility that there are other answers to poverty out there.

The population control agenda assumes that the state has done everything else it could to alleviate poverty, such as improving wages, providing jobs, providing basic services such as health care, among other needs. The truth is, it hasn’t. On the issue of wages alone, the government has toed the line of employers and big business, refusing to increase wages.

I am in favor of the RH bill only in so far as it recognizes and respects the right of the Filipino, particularly the women, to basic services, to an informed choice.

Read more: http://asiancorrespondent.com/57343/population-control-agenda-hobbles-philippines-rh-bill/

Church Should Back Off In R.H. Bill Controversy

                Lately, the Reproductive Health Bill controversy continues to heat up as more and more different ethical issues about different arguments that are connected to the R.H. Bill surfaces. Lately, even issues about same sex marriage are being brought up once again. Not only that, even issues about couples marrying in an unusual and unorthodox fashion is being attacked just for wanting a different form of wedding.

                The only reason why most of these issues are so complicated and so controversial is because of the persistent clinging of the church to old and obsolete traditions. They keep imposing their rule into this country; believing that they govern it. They also believe that they are the only religion in this country or at least they are the ones who are on top. The problem here is that they are not the only religion in this country. Our multi-cultural country is so diverse that I don’t think that the church should have that much of a say when it comes to the R.H. Bill.

Actually, just last April, It was all over the internet and press release and news programs announcing it that Iglesia ni Cristo or INC has expressed their congregation’s full support for the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill alongside with the Philippine president’s (Noynoy Aquino’s) stand. In fact, Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo said the bill needs to be passed as it is the “moral imperative” of every parent to guide their children and make sure they have food, shelter, clothing, and proper education.

Obviously, the Catholic Church has no right to counter the decision of Iglesia ni Cristo. Neither does Iglesia ni Cristo have the right to counter the decision of the Catholic Church. My point here in this argument is that the Catholic Church is not the only one who is a part of this decision and they should stop being so dominating about it.

It would actually be much simpler if this decision was simply made through the vote of each and every individual in this country instead of letting different organizations choose a side regarding the topic. That is because most of the decisions made by organizations are based on the choice of usually one individual, namely, the leader. Most of the time, decisions made by churches or any large organizations result in the group think because of the decision of the leader and the culture of the organization that it actually fails in the recognition of the values of each individual.

Undermining the decision of each individual and making organizations make the decisions for the individuals actually undermines the entire purpose of the Reproductive Health Bill because the R.H. Bill, in essence, is a choice given to each individual on how to live his/her life. I guess that even a democratic country isn’t really democratic because in the end, it’s not the people who owns the final say about this argument; it’s actually the organizations who hold the final decision in these controversies. 

Opinions About the R.H. Bill

Yesterday, I interviewed a group people who gave me their insigts about he Reproductive Health Bill. I interviewed people randomly from De La Salle University who gave me a short statement of what they think about the R.H. Bill. Most of their opinions revolve around the idea that the R.H. Bill should be a means of a population control and they also believe that it is a good way of informing the people n our country the importance of reproductive health and the properly concept of sex. Here are the opinions of the students I interviewed:

Sharmaine: There are some Christians who are ok with this country having the Reproductive Health Bill. In my opinion, I  believe that Sexually Transmitted Disease is widespread and it must be prevented. Because the age of people who have STD are getting younger and younger, I believe that this is a way of preventing it and a means of preventing overpopulation.

Sean: I am a Jesuit but I studied in Xavier when I was in high school. Jesuits priests don't really see the R.H. Bill is a bad thing. Jesuits have their own beliefs that they do not associate themselves with Catholics. The R.H. Bill is not necessarily wrong and they are ok with the R.H. Bill because most of them believe that society can benefit from that proposal. It's not that we don't value life, it's just that we believe that society has problems and it should be bounded and the solution should not be bounded or grounded by religion alone. But in my school they are against the R.H. Bill because it also incorporates the principles from the school itself Xavier is a Catholic school and because of that they are against the R.H. Bill

Raph: People should be aware of family planning. It's hard to have a lot of children because resources are scarce. It also allows parents to raise their children properly and incorporate the proper culture that allows them to also live proper lives when they grow up.

Mica: In a moral perspective, it is wrong because it encourages minors to have premarital sex. It allows children to have easier access to contraception. Although that is the problem of the R.H. Bill I believe that it is a necessary evil in order to control society so that it gives people a choice and it is also a possible solution in controlling our population that is quickly rising..

Eric: I am for the R.H. Bill because it promotes education. It is a means of population control. It allows raises awareness of people about the importance of family planning.

Anna: The R.H. Bill is a way of not only controlling the population but also alleviating poverty through proper allocation of the budget of the government.

Marik:I believe that it is about the education about the people. It is also a protection for teens so that they'll be aware because there is no way of avoiding teens from having sex. I believe that the church should just stay out of it because I believe that the separation of church and state.

Comparing Pro and Anti Part 3

            In the first part of this three-part blog, I examined the arguments of those who believe that the Reproductive Health Bill should be passed. Most of them believe that the R.H. Bill is an excellent idea because it provides people with the chance of family planning thus giving them the choice and control over their lives.

            In the second part of the blog, I examined the arguments of those who believe that the R.H. Bill should not be passed. Most of them, particularly the Catholic Church, believe that the R.H. Bill should not be passed for the specific reason that it negates the value of life thus making it immoral. Some of them even believe that it is not the solution to the problem in our country because it does not attack the main problem of society which is corruption. In this blog I plan to analyze both sides of the argument in order to attempt to answer the question of which argument really is better: Rational Pro or Ethical Anti?

            Most people at this point would probably think that those who are against the R.H. Bill don’t really have a valid argument because it doesn’t really talk about anything except that it violates “life” and how it is against “God’s Will”. But if you remove that part of the argument, some of their reasoning is actually somewhat compelling and valid. The only reason why their argument is considered insignificant by a lot of people is because they keep putting God into the picture. They actually have a point when they argue that the R.H. Bill may not solve anything at all because it is not attacking the root cause of the problem. We are wasting so much time in this argument that it is distracting us from the true problem which is corruption. It also makes sense that the R.H. Bill may be manipulated by minors so that they can take advantage of sex.

            On the other hand, those who are for the R.H. Bill argue that though it may not be the solution towards our society, it is a possible solution for controlling or fast-rising population. It also protects women from unwanted pregnancy who attempted abortion. It gives those in poverty an opportunity in a developmental process and it also teaches minors as well as those who are unaware about the importance of Reproductive Health and Sex Education.

            When you compare both sides of the argument, how will you respond to such a argument? I will not answer the question because when I answer it, I feel like I am taking a side and letting my biases take over. The main question here is whether the R.H. Bill should be passed based on these arguments. When you seriously look at it, it actually isn’t a simple black and white case. It is actually a complicated argument which has been dumb down so that everyone will understand. If you remove the lame and repetitive arguments, It really becomes a sophisticated and interesting argument worth tackling.

Comparing Pro and Anti Part 2

                Last time, I’ve posted some comments given by some people who believe that the Reproductive Health Bill should be passed because it provides people with the choice to of family planning and contraception thus preventing overpopulation and poverty. This time I went to the other side of the argument in an attempt to understand the perspective of those who are against the R.H. Bill. Most of their arguments revolve around the idea that the R.H. Bill is sacrilegious in the eyes of God and that it is not the solution to poverty because it isn’t attacking the root course of it which is corruption. Some of them also believe that it is not the solution to overpopulation because the country is not overpopulated. Here are some of the comments given by different people through the internet:

@nikianne08: “CONT. Utos or kung ano ang naaayon sa word of GOD. So dapat daw anti-divorce bill and anti-RH bill tayo. Eh pano yan PRO ako. So does cont..”

Shari: NOOOOOOOOOOO to REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL!!! may natural way po to prevent pregnancy. dapat nating tandaan na ang pagbubuntis po ay di isang sakit na dapat iwasan, ang ovulation po ay di rin isang sakit na dapat pigilan. natural po lamang ang ovulation, ang dapat po dito ay alamin kung kelan ito nangyayari, kami pong mag-asawa ay volunteer teacher ng natural family planning, handa po kaming magturo nito sa kahit kanino, ano man ang iyong katayuan sa buhay, ano man ang antas ng iyong pinag-aralan, ito po ay libreng pagtuturo at pag-aaral.

Jonathan_binaday: HOW MANY TIMES WILL I SAY! “HINDI PO OVERPOPULATED” ANG PILIPINAS! SA TOTOO PO KAPAG MAS MARAMING TAO SA ISANG BANSA MAS MARAMING ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES! MAS MARAMING WORKERS, PRODUCERS NG GOODS…, NEGOSYANTE AT ANG PRIMARY BASIS NG ECONOMICS ANG CONSUMERS! HUMIHIRAP LANG PO ANG PILIPINAS DAHIL ANG MGA TAO SA GOBYERNO HI…NDI BINIBIGYAN NG OPORTUNIDAD SA MGA TAO SA BANSA NA MAGING WORKERS, PRODUCERS NG GOODS,O NEGOSYANTE KAYA ANG NATIRANG OPTION IS TO BECOME A CONSUMER ,,, AT KAPAG MARAMI ANG CONSUMERS DUN LILITAW ANG MGA PROBLEMA,,,, (PLEASE CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG) 2OB PESOS ANG IBIBIGAY NA PONDO SA RH BILL NA YAN,,,, HINDI PA TIYAK ANG KASIGURADUHAN NITO,,, EH KUNG MAG IINVEST TAU SA PAMIMIGAY NG JOBS, EDUCATION, OPPORTUNITES AT SUPPORTS HINDI NA MAAPEKTOHAN ANG KARAPTANG MABUHAY, HINDI MAG KAKASAKIT ANG MGA KAKABABAIHAN AT IBA PA… USE OUR NUMBER AS AN ADVANTAGE SUPPORT LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! THATS ALL!

Dea Mateo Lugay: If my opinion at all can reach your community, I really feel my role as a mother bringing my humble experience raised in a poor surrounding in San Miguel, Quiapo can contribute “a no-agenda” lesson except stand on truth you may want to hear. Im Anti-RH.

My sights traveled every time my curiosity picked the thickening number of young street children. At their tender years they roamed the street and congest the whole ground of San Miguel where I grew and spent my childhood. My parents brought seven children and out of their perseverance and labor of love put us to colleges so we all finished our undergraduate degrees. That mediocre life brought me closely to feel about street children in poor communities that are exposed to social ills. Some were rescued taken by orphanages. Those unlucky ones brought up by wrong parenting lived in dismal abuses—alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and prohibitive drugs. Our street-folks take prying noses at the lives of juveniles moonlighting as sexual dancers. I visualized their jaded life experiencing grim reality.

I ‘m saddened over this pathetic situation right in front of me. I looked at young street gangs and many youth facing a rogue life passing time in darkened corners sniffing rugby. Caught on act inside stationed passenger jeepneys are sex partners as they performed a quickie. Street commotion rang out when our neighbors discovered the aggressive young offenders. I blamed their parent for not taking their responsibility or the failure of “political nucleus.” Everyone neglected to do something. Economic poverty had boomeranged centuries after centuries yet it also ingrained moral irresponsibility. Something is wrong in the peculiar environment around these children.

                Now that I have analyzed both sides of the argument, I will attempt to compare both sides of the issue in the next blog. This way, we can actually know the pros and cons of the Reproductive Health Bill and judge whether it actually is a possible remedy for the many problems of our society.

Sources:

http://twitter.com/#!/nikianne08/statuses/84932274021347328

http://rakshari.multiply.com/journal/item/323/An_anti-RH_Bill_comment

http://www.buwayahman.com/?p=170

Comparing Pro and Anti Part 1

I have recently compiled several arguments and opinions of those who side with the Reproductive Health Bill. Most of these opinions revolve around the reasoning that the R.H. Bill does not support the reasoning of abortion. It merely recognizes the idea that people have the choice to use contraception and have the choice of family planning. Not only that it also include several care plan for post-abortion. Most of their opinions argue that the R.H. Bill is not at all immoral. It merely suggests the idea of a proper and rational choice so that people, especially those who are in poverty, have the opportunity to escape it through family planning. Below are some of the arguments and opinions given by people I have gathered through a website:

Anti RH argument: “(strongwind) abortion is said illegal and punishable by law but when abortion complication happens it will be treated in a good manner, is a contradictory statement… RH Bill may be a solution to reduce or at most eliminate the risk of abortion that is when all the contraceptives are working perfectly.”

Pro RH argument: The RH Bill does NOT force people to use contraception. It recognizes na may matitigas talaga ang ulo, something that the Church never recognizes. At yung iba dun, mabubuntis. At yung iba dun, ay illegal na magpapa-abort. The Bill protects their right to health care. Also, post-abortion care is part of reproductive health.

SEC 4s: Reproductive health is defined as the complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes.

SEC 26b: Public officials are prohibited from forcing any person to use such services.

————–

Anti-RH Bill Argument: “(alexsjsantos) korapsiyon ang dahilan kung bakit mahirap tayo. Kasi kung walang korapsiyon, madami trabaho at hindi paggawa ng bata ang aatupagin.”

Pro-RH Bill Argument: Poverty has many reasons, not just corruption as you would like to believe. The RH Bill recognizes this.

SEC 3n: Development is a multi-faceted process that calls for the coordination and integration of policies, plans, programs and projects that seek to uplift the quality of life of the people, more particularly the poor, the needy and the marginalized

SEC 5cc: Sustainable Human Development refers to bringing people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, to the center of development process, the central purpose of which is the creation of an enabling environment in which all can enjoy long, healthy and productive lives, and done in a manner that promotes their rights and protects the life opportunities of future generations and the natural ecosystem on which all life depends.

                I have provided a short glimpse of why those who are for the Reproductive Health Bill choose their side. It is because of rational choice and progress. In the next blog I will go further by compiling opinions from the opposite side of the case and compare both of them so that we may have a firm grasp of which side has a more reasonable argument.

Read more: http://rystraum.com/blog/2011/05/a-collection-of-pro-rh-rebuttals-to-common-anti-rh-arguments/

Hypocritical Oath is HYPOCRITICAL in the Philippines

                Last January 11, 2011, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) made a statement regarding their stand on the argument regarding the Reproductive Health Bill.

In response to earlier reports saying that the country’s largest group of doctors, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) is supporting the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) stance on the RH Bill, an official statement was made on the PMA website.

However, the rights of physicians to do what is best medically for their patients, the right to informed choice of the people, the freedom of religion, the right of the people to health services and proper health education shall be respected and emphasized at all times and no censure or penalty of whatever kind or nature shall be imposed on the exercise of said rights.

The government must set up on a national level emergency obstetrical care and provide facilities for maternity/pediatric cases with access to blood bank.  Information on the scope of reproductive health like fertility, contraception, abortion, reproductive tract infections, cancer risks and immunizations must be made available to the people.

                This actually puts a big stress in the patients and it also creates a big problem in the community because it puts the emotional judgment of one doctor about his/her stand in the Reproductive Health Bill over his ability to be rational. Doctors in this country have been doing this for a long time now. When it comes to issues like abortion, they would sometimes choose not to help patients who went through failed abortions. Even though abortion is not in the R.H. Bill, It is still likely to come up especially with teens. Even though doctors have taken an oath to treat patients who are in need, some of them would actually leave women to die because they refuse to treat them.

The Philippine Medical Association does not endorse making contraceptive devices/services available in schools.  The government should instead provide for properly educated reproductive health personnel who will give age-appropriate information and counseling.  The age of adolescence must be defined.

                Providing education to teens is never enough when it comes to the issue of sex. Just because teenagers have been taught what the concept of sex is doesn’t mean that they are less likely to explore the subject. I have known people who have been properly educated about sex who still explore in their teen years. The fact is there is no way of preventing teens from having sex. The only alternative is to actually teach them how to have safe sex and hope that they’ll be smart enough to remember it. But in order to do that. They must also be properly taught how contraceptives work and if that is the case then contraceptives must be made available and in order for that to happen, the R.H. Bill must push through. Isn’t that common sense? The only reason why doctors refuse to take part in the R.H. Bill is because they want to be absolved of any responsibility of having to treat someone who has undergone a failed abortion.

Read more: http://sexandsensibilities.com/2011/01/09/position-of-the-philippine-medical-association-on-the-proposed-rh-bill/

Rationality vs. Religion

                One of the many annoying things the church, and even politicians, like to do when they are being defensive is quote the bible. Whether it’s because they feel guilty or they need to advertise the “Word of God”, they never fail to quote the exact same thing over and over again.

                This is something that the church does especially when the argument strays to the topic of Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippines. It is always about how “God” commanded us to go fort and multiply and that we are obliged to follow an old book written by who-knows. The controversy here is whether we should still apply millennium-old teachings. We have grown to the point where discovery is prevalent and the excuse of using god as an explanation no longer applies. So is it really loyalty that binds us to our faith or is it simply ignorance and greed?

We examine the favorite Bible verse of the anti-RH Bill advocates. I refer to Genesis 1:28 which reads as follows:  “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”  I caught at least two Roman Catholic (RC) bishops citing the verse to bolster their anti-RH Bill position and perhaps to  make it look like God is on their side on the controversy. In quoting the verse in the context of the RH Bill, these clergymen are merely exposing their inability to properly understand that particular verse. Either that or they are knowingly twisting the Word of God to suit their purposes which is even worse.

As far as this country is concerned, the answer to the question whether or not that particular divine command still holds can be found in the later part of Genesis 1:28 which, remarkably, the RC clergy leave out when they cite the verse:  “fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” This has already been accomplished in this country. The earth and the wildlife in this country have already been subdued for quite some time.  Consider the denuded mountains, the dry or dead rivers, the numerous species of flora and fauna which have already become extinct  and are becoming extinct due to the improvident activities  and sheer number of Filipinos. Our resources could hardly sustain the present population, so how much more when all the babies the RC clergy and their blind followers want to be born join us? 

                Maybe it is impossible to fully let go of such an old religion because it has been incorporated in our culture for such a long time and irrationality will always take over when we are overwhelmed by life but I believe that is possible to actually make some changes in our beliefs. True, such a thing may be difficult and almost impossible but what a better world this would be if we all based our beliefs in rationality instead of religion.

Read more: http://deadheroessociety.tumblr.com/post/5550610081/scriptures-not-anti-rh-bill

Pacquiao Is Nothing More Than a Celebrity Pawn

“Priest turns Pacquiao homecoming into anti-RH bill rally.” That was the title of the article written last May 15, 2011. It’s not really that shocking if you think about it. Lately what has the argument about the Reproductive Health Bill really been about except repeated arguments about “life” and “choice”? Are any of us really surprised that they finally decided to turn Manny Pacquiao into a celebrity pawn to advertise their side of the argument?

MANILA, Philippines—Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s customary thanksgiving Mass at the Quiapo Church upon his return from another successful bout Saturday, turned into a mini protest rally against the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.

The insulting part in this article is that all this publicity looks more of a joke than something relevant. Has anyone noticed that the conversation goes to the direction of celebrities, politicians and the church rather than the people who actually need the Reproductive Health Bill? Why are a bunch of overpaid idiots deciding on something that is socially irrelevant to them? Why not actually let the people who really need it vote instead of letting idiots like Pacquiao decide on the issue? He’s a RICH BOXER. It’s his fists that matter in life not his opinion on something that focuses on the masses because he isn’t even included in that social class anymore. Even if he reassures people that he is still the exact same person he was before I’m sorry but bragging about wealth that can feed half of the nation is not humility; it’s arrogance. He said he intends to continue his fight not just inside the boxing ring but also against poverty. But is he really doing that? So far we’ve only seen him buy luxury items for his family and has actually done what for the society?

In his homily, Ignacio criticized the RH bill and urged Pacquiao not to support it and stick to his stand opposing it in Congress.

He reminded Pacquiao to never forget the Lord in Congress and to serve as God’s way of bringing back members of the House to the fold.

When he spoke, Pacquiao vowed never to support the RH bill because he said it was against God’s laws. He said he has long been against the proposed law.

He said what the bill was proposing was not the solution to poverty and stressed that Congress must act primarily to address the needs of the poor.

                In the end, these idiotic people who are arguing about the R.H. Bill turned this entire thing into nothing more than a publicity contest where they use iconic morons as pawns to advertise their motives. It’s not even about the issue anymore. It’s more about what these people are saying on TV and hoping that the masses will buy into their crap because they have someone like Manny Pacquiao on their side. Manny’s power is such a waste on him because in the end he turns out to be an ignorant pawn who buys into the games of politics and media.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110515-336586/Priest-turns-Pacquiao-homecoming-into-anti-RH-bill-rally

U.N. For the R.H. Bill

MANILA Philippines The Philippines where an average of 11 women a day die giving birth could lower its high maternal death rate by having a reproductive health policy a visiting United Nations delegation said on Friday.

The absence of a national reproductive health policy especially for the poorest is a vital concern said Brian Bowler boss of the delegation of six U.N. bodies.

However he noted that religious views had to be considered in setting national laws. The Philippines is a Catholic country and like such it has very strong principles and of course religion must be observed said Bowler who is Malawis permanent representative to the U.N.

                See? Even others from the United Nations are saying that they are for the passing of the Reproductive Health Bill. Why are the people in the Philippines so persistent in the thought that they are better than everyone else even if they have nothing to show for it? They always have that mentality that even though other countries are progressing the Philippines is still the country that is right when it comes to ethics and decision making? It’s as if we’re taking pride at being left behind and because of that people are laughing at us behind our backs.

                We argue that we are always right when it comes to ethical decisions even if we’re are alone when we make that choice. The problem here is that once you’re the only one who believes that you actions is ethical you become the unethical one. That is because ethics is determined by the majority and not the minority. It is sometimes also made by the authority and obviously we are not the authority. So when you actually look at it, we are the ones who are unethical because we choose to reject change and progress.

The Philippines has one of the Asias fasted-growing populations which is nearing 100 million people. It also has one of the regions highest rates of maternal deaths. The problem was particularly severe in Muslim communities on Mindanao peninsula where 320 mothers died per 100000 live births double the national average Bowler said.

Efforts to enact a law that would promote access to sex education and contraception since the 1990s have been blocked by the powerful Roman Catholic Church which opposes access to and information about contraception methods.

The problem here is that the church thinks that the world can be supposedly “saved” through prayers and songs. But the time for blind faith and misdirected trust has passed. Humans have reached the point where they are no longer controllable and have lost the ability to restrain ourselves from destroying their home. The irony here is we may be the only creatures that are capable of creating religion and love but we’re also the most destructive and malicious animals in the world. We brag about ethics and morality but we are also responsible for more than half of the bad thhings that happen to this planet and everything in it.

Source: http://www.healthysexuallife.com/topic/view/id-6676

Unborn Child Bill???

Last June 1, 2011, it was written that senators who are opposed to the Reproductive Health Bill are starting to push another bill that completely counters the R.H. Bill. They call the new bill the Unborn Child Bill which “protects” and “gives rights” to an unborn child.

SENATORS opposed to the reproductive health bill are pushing for other bills outlawing contraceptives and drugs to counter the anticipated passing of the controversial measure in the House of Representatives, a move that a women’s group attacked on Tuesday.

Arguing for the provisions of the bill for the protection of the unborn child, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile sought before the committee on youth, women and demography a list of contraceptives and drugs that intervene with fertilization at the onset of conception.

                 I believe that this move is not only completely pointless but also a demonstration of what nutballs these people are. This attempt to block the R.H. Bill exhibits a form of stupidity because not only does it create an oxymoronic hassle in the Senate but it also implies that we should just drop the whole thing as if it never happened. It implies exactly that because the rough implications of the bill emphasizes on prioritizing the life of an “unborn child” thereby creating several overlapping rights between the mother and the “unborn child”. Another thing here is the problem of how people are going to react to it. Think about it. Before the R.H. Bill became such a big debate people were already breaking the law when it comes to abortion and contraceptives. Women get unwanted pregnancies all the time and they secretly get an abortion without caring about the consequences. A lot of them die and nothing is being done about it even until now. Condoms could be easily bought at the nearest drugstores even before the issue about contraceptives became a debate.

                People have been breaking the law when it comes to abortion and contraceptives for a long time. Who’s to say they won’t break it when it comes to that completely worthless bill? I actually question the intelligence of these people. If you’re going to come up with a way to block the R.H. Bill at least think of a better argument and a more subtle way than that.

She said the proposed law would make pregnancies even more risky for women. It would also remove decision-making during pregnancy complications away from the woman, her loved ones, and their health provider who were in the best position to balance the lives at stake and weigh the risks and consequences.

“It will transfer difficult choices to a distant, cold, and inflexible law,” Santiago said.

                Agreeably, it is an extremely inflexible proposal that indicates an obvious ulterior motive behind it. The question here is how do we stop these ridiculous games and get the government to actually start doing their jobs instead of sitting around, twiddling their thumbs while creating additional hassle that hinder actual and valid debates on more important matters.

Read more:  http://europeanprochoicenetwork.wordpress.com/2011/06/03/philippines-unborn-child-bill-slammed-for-delaying-rh-measure/

R.H. Bill Destroys Culture?

                Recently, the church has made an argument that attacks how the Reproductive Health Bill destroys the culture of the Filipinos. One of the archbishops pointed out that when the R.H. Bill is put into play it will ruin our culture and make people unhappy.

Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto said Filipinos should learn from the Americans where a policy on reproductive health resulted in a “culture of death.”

                First of all, how will the R.H. Bill destroy the culture of the Philippines? Is it because people can have sex all they want and not be as afraid of getting an unwanted pregnancy? Is that what he meant by culture being destroyed – that people can have sex before marriage? But the problem here is that people here aren’t as “religious” as the church claims. In fact, one hypocritical aspect of this culture is that its people’s sex life is closeted. People here claim that pre-marital sex is taboo and is not accepted and all that crap but in reality, people have sex all the time. And who can really blame them? It’s a natural instinct. Telling people to stop doing it is like telling people to stop eating or sleeping.

“We don’t have to be like the first-world countries. They’re rich but they’re unhappy. We must instead remain God-loving and peaceful Christians,” Aniceto said in a press conference at the opening of the congress at the Dusit Hotel in Makati last November 6.

                Here’s another question: Can people really be happy if they’re ignorant? Maybe yes but is it true happiness? I’ve always believed that the only time you can consider yourself happy is when you can actually acknowledge it. And the only people in this country who can afford to be happy are those who can afford to eat. Answer me this: How can you be happy if you have to struggle every day to feed your ten kids?

“Ours is an agricultural country, how much of the budget is dedicated to agriculture?” Odchimar asked.

He said it was ironic that despite the fact that the International Rice Research Institute is based in the Philippines, the country is a major importer of rice.

“Now, Vietnam, despite being devastated by war, is one of the top rice-producing countries after modernizing the agriculture sector. That is a sort of [proof of the] lopsided utilization of our resources,” Odchimar said.

The closing statement given by Archbishop Odchimar is actually a form of statement that some people will consider as a deflection. When you read it again it actually is a deflection. He slowly moves away from the point of the conversation and then brings up another problem that he can comfortably discuss. Talking about the agriculture of the country is actually convenient for him because it doesn’t contain any sensitive information for him. He then slowly manipulates that conversation by moving even further by providing a solution to the deflected problem.

All these arguments about the R.H. Bill is getting us nowhere because the arguments being created are not even making sense anymore. Isn’t it tiring to read about articles when the statements are getting dumber and dumber?

Read more: http://www.varsitarian.net/news/20101130/church_leaders_experts_rh_bill_may_ruin_filipino_culture

A Brief History About the Reproductive Health Bill

1914 – American nurse Margaret Sanger invents the term “birth control”.

1927 - Margaret Sanger organizes first World Population Conference in Geneva, including professors, doctors and scientists to establish credibility and rally people to her cause.

1942 - Planned Parenthood Federation of America is established to unite the efforts of eugenicists, population controllers and birth controllers.

1939-1948 - Increase in individual efforts in the Philippines by Presbyterian, Congregational, and other Protestant ministers to spread information about birth control.

1948 - Planned Parenthood awards a grant to Gregory Pincus, a research biologist who undertook a series of tests leading to the development of the birth control pill.

1952 - Population Council is founded by John D. Rockefeller III.

1957 The National Council of Churches establishes the Family Relations Center, a counseling clinic.

1960 - The US FDA approves the sale of oral pills for contraception.

1964 – The University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) is formally established as a unit of the University of the Philippines, with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation. Its goal is to undertake population studies and train graduates in demography.

1967 – Seventeen heads of state including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos sign the United Nations Declaration on Population which stresses that the “population problem” must be recognized as the principal element in long-term economic development. The Institute of Maternal and Child Health sets up the National Training Center for Maternal Health Service in accordance with an agreement between the National Economic Council, the Institute for Maternal and Child Health, and the US Agency for International Development.

1968 - The government starts to participate in population and family planning efforts by creating the Project Office for Maternal and Child Health in the Department of Health to coordinate family planning activities. Paul Ehrlich publishes the book Population Bomb, falsely foretelling a grim future of overpopulation and mass starvation in the 70’s and 80’s as a direct result of the dangerous links between population, resource depletion, and the environment. Reproductive rights develops as a subset of human rights at the United Nation's 1968 International Conference on Human Rights.

1969 – Philippine Population Program is officially launched through Executive Order No. 233, creating a study group known as the Population Commission (POPCOM).

1970 - First Earth Day. Peaceful demonstrations reflect environmental concerns, promotion of the idea that "population pollutes."

Early 1970's - Planned Parenthood International comes to the Philippines, working with local partner organizations to increase the provision of comprehensive reproductive health care services.

1971 – Republic Act 6365 aka Population Act of the Philippines is enacted into law by Congress. It establishes the national population policy and creates the national agency in charge of population, the Commission on Population (POPCOM).

1972 – President Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law. The Population Center Foundation is set up to forge a stronger partnership between the government and the private sector. Presidential Decree No. 79 revises Republic Act 6365, authorizing nurses and midwives, in addition to physicians, to provide, dispense, and administer all acceptable methods of contraception to those who desire to avail themselves of such services as long as these health workers have been trained and properly authorized by the POPCOM board.

1973 – Philippine Constitution expresses government commitment to deal with the "problem" of rapid population growth.

1974 – National Security Study Memorandum (NSSM) 200 - Kissinger Report is released in April in the US. In 1975, the United States adopts NSSM200 as its policy to give “paramount importance” to population control measures and the promotion of contraception among 13 populous countries, including the Philippines, to control rapid population growth which they deem to be inimical to the socio-political and economic growth of these countries and to the national interests of the United States.

1975 - The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) is established as “the Philippines’ premier gender and development portal providing access to resources and data on women in the Philippines.

1976 - Executive Order No. 123 attaches the Population Commission to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the population planning and coordinating agency. Presidential Decree No. 965 requires applicants for marriage licenses to receive instruction on family planning and responsible parenthood.

1977 - The National Population and Family Planning Outreach Project begins implementation. Between 1977 and 1979, 30,000 volunteers are recruited to provide contraceptive supplies and referrals. Presidential Decree No. 1204 amends certain sections of PD 79. This amendment further strengthens the powers of the Commission on Population in order for it to implement its functions more effectively.

1978 - Letter of Instruction No. 661 creates the Special Committee to Review the Philippine Population Program in the context of the overall development goals of the country and to recommend policy and program directions for the future.

1979 - CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Philippines is established, to “promote women's rights everywhere, by aligning laws with international obligations and treaties, to realize the goal of women's human rights.”

1986 – Pres. Cory Aquino issues Executive Order No. 123, attaching POPCOM to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as the planning and coordinating agency for a 5-year plan to improve health, nutrition and family planning, with particular focus on maternal and child health, not on fertility reduction. During Aquino's administration, the Philippines still posts steady declines in population growth rates.

1987 - Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) is founded as a socialist feminist organization involving “women’s right advocate” Elizabeth Angsioco, RHAN, et al.

1989 - The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) is established in Congress, “dedicated to the formulation of viable public policies requiring legislation on population management and socio-economic development.”

1990 - Executive Order No. 408 is issued, placing POPCOM under the control and supervision of the Office of the President in order to "facilitate coordination of policies and programs relative to population."

1991 - Executive Order No. 467 (476?) is issued, making POPCOM an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). PCF is renamed as Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD) on February 15, now with a wider scope beyond common concerns on population.

1992 - Fidel Ramos’ presidency shifts from population control to population management. Earth Summit on Sustainable Development is held in Rio de Janeiro, with several influential documents produced, including "Agenda 21" and "The Rio Declaration."

1993 - The Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women (ARROW) is formally established in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (see ASAP study 2008-2009) as a sort of a middleman between funders and fundees. CRR’s partner, Reproductive Health, Rights, and Ethics Center for Studies and Training (ReproCen) is established as a joint project of the College of Law and the College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines System with support of the Ford Foundation. The Philippine Population Management Program and the Population, Resources and Environment Framework are adopted by the Ramos Administration.

1994 - "Ethical and Pastoral Dimensions of Population Trends” is published by the Pontifical Council for the Family.

1995 - The Likhaan Center for Women's Health (Philippines) is established, “a collective of grassroots women and men, health advocates and professionals dedicated to promoting and pushing for the health and rights of disadvantaged women and their communities,” with Dr. Junice Melgar as Executive Director.

1996 – Maguindanao, the largest of the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in terms of population and number of municipalities and barangays, is assisted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) since the 4th Country Programme. Official UN terminology on contraceptive use is noted to have evolved from one euphemism (doublespeak) to another: from "safe motherhood" to "family planning" to "sexual health" and "reproductive health" to "fertility regulation" (which involves abortion).

1998 - Pres. Joseph Estrada uses mixed methods of reducing fertility rates. The first reproductive health measure is introduced in Congress, but is stalled on the committee level long before reaching the floor. Similar bills have been introduced almost every year since. Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) is established. (See their Yahoogroup started in 2007.) IPPF presents its Youth Manifesto (Christopher Penales is a participant). Kiko de la Tonga becomes Youth Program Coordinator of Likhaan.

1999 - Felipe Medalla, Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and chair of the Board of POPCOM, unveils the idea of Philippine contraceptive self-reliance to the world at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in July.

2000 – In board meeting of January 31, POPCOM Board of Directors pass a resolution that launches the Contraceptive Independence Initiative and creates the multisectoral Technical Working Group.

2001 - Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration focuses on mainstreaming natural family planning, while stating that contraceptives are openly sold in the country.

2002 - WomenLEAD co-sponsors on December 9 a conference on the Women's Reproductive Rights as Human Rights sponsored by the Institute of Human Rights, University of the Philippines Law Center at Malcolm Hall, UP College of Law.

2003 - Clara Rita Padilla founds Engende Rights, which seeks to “raise awareness and access to emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS, and safe and legal abortion.”

2004 - The Department of Health introduces the Philippines Contraceptive Self-Reliance Strategy, arranging for the replacement of these donations with domestically provided contraception. The Waray-Waray Youth Advocates (WARAYA)is established as youth arm of Youth Innovation Fund of Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP). Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc (FFPD) starts its operations with the belief that prominent steps need to be taken to raise concerns on family planning and development

.

2005 - UNFPA works “to ensure the improvement of reproductive health of the people of Masbate.” The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) Report is released. UNFPA Mountain Province is established. RHAN YOUTH is established. Lanao del Sur is included in UNFPA’s 6th Country Programme of Assistance in 2005, as it belongs to the 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines. In a Statement of Support, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joins “the community of nations in expressing support for the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).”

2006 – Ifugao becomes the first among the UNFPA provinces to pass a Reproductive Health Ordinance at the provincial level in July 2006. It is followed by the passage of the Gender and Development Code the following year. “Contraceptive use in Sultan Kudarat [is] 48.9% in 2005, almost equal to the 49% national average. This is still a long way to the 60 per cent contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) target by 2012.” On October 10, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issues guidelines and directive for the DOH, POPCOM, and local government units to take full charge of the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program.

2007 – Olongapo becomes the first city to pass a Reproductive Health Code, providing a P3 million annual budget to cover procurement of contraceptives, among others. The UNFPA Youth is established. The UN-initiated Youth Association of the Philippines starts its formal operation in October. The International Planned Parenthood Federation’s Comprehensive Sexuality Education Framework is released. Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WNGRR) transfers its Coordinating Office to the Philippines from Amsterdam. Dr. Sylvia “Guy” Claudio Estrada of the Philippines serves as the Board Chair of WNGRR. (2007 Details)

2008 - Contraceptive use goes down mainly due to non-availability of free contraceptives. Sulu becomes the first province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the entire Mindanao to have its own Provincial Reproductive Health Ordinance. 37 participants from 13 countries meet in Kuala Lumpur in March and form the Asia Safe Abortion Partnership (ASAP), facilitated by the International Consortium for Medical Abortion.

2009 - The International Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders (AYNLA) is established, to “advocate for the UN MDGs and nurses' rights that started in the Philippines.” The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines Cagayan de Oro Chapter is established.

2010 – Dr. Esperanza Cabral is appointed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Secretary of Department of Health. Sen. Benigno Aquino III and Sen. Mar Roxas run in the national elections, with the RH Bill in their platform; Aquino wins as president. Cabral expresses support for the RH Bill. Pres. Aquino replaces Cabral with Sec. Enrique Ona as Department of Health Secretary. Pres. Aquino vows to sign the Bill into law. Reproductive Health Practitioners Network of the Philippines (RHPN) is established, involving nurse Prof. Alvin Cloyd Dakis, founder and national president of the AYNLA and representative of RHAN Youth. IPPF Report calls for youth sex rights and reveals new UN funding. The Intercollegiate Asian Parliamentary Debate Tournament is held, to stir youth action on MDGs. WARAYA receives funding from IPPF (Planned Parenthood). The Summit on the Millennium Development Goals is held. LGBT Philippines is on Facebook. The Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WNGRR) publishes "Recommitting to the Struggle for Safe, Legal Abortion" for its members and partners, which includes Likhaan. (2010 Details) Dr. Elard Koch's studies show that legalizing abortion isn't necessary to reduce maternal and infant deaths.10

2011 - The Young People for the Passage of RH Bill is founded. Other women NGOs are established. In the 15th Congress, five similar bills are introduced to the House and consolidated in January 2011 by the House Committee on Population and Family Relations. The consolidated bill is scheduled for plenary session in mid-February.

Source: http://www.geeky-guide.com/2011/06/philippines-i-support-rh-bill.html