Malacañang on Tuesday stood firm on implementing the Church-opposed Reproductive Health (RH) Law, a day after Pope Francis finished a five-day Philippine trip in which he indicated a strong pro-life stance.

 

At a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the RH Law responds to the "focal points" of the papal visit: protecting children and families.

 

"Ang pinakamahalagang aspeto nito ay ‘yung pagtuturo ng kaalaman sa ating mga mamamayan kung paano magiging responsableng magulang sapagkat ang kinokonsidera natin dito ay ‘yung pagbibigay sa kanila ng sapat na kakayahan na buhayin ang kanilang mga anak," Coloma told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

 

He also maintained that the RH Law passed the scrutiny of all three branches of government.

 

More than two years ago, President Benigno Aquino III signed the RH Law, which allows the government to procure condoms and other methods of artificial birth control. 

 

Filipino bishops led opposition to the law, since the Roman Catholic Church supports only natural ways of contraception.

 

During his Philippine visit from January 15 to 19, Pope Francis also carried a strong pro-life stance to a country of over 100 million people. He stressed “the sacredness of every human life from conception to natural death” and the value of every child.

 

The Pope, however, on his return flight to Rome also pointed to the importance of responsible parenthood, saying that Catholics should not "breed like rabbits."

 

Coloma said the government was willing to work with local Church leaders to find common ground in promoting responsible parenthood.

 

"Habang may pagkakaiba, puwede namang maumpisahan na ‘yung pagtutulungan, pagbabayanihan batay sa pinagkasunduan at pinagkaisahan," the Palace official said.

 

"Kaya ‘yan ang pokus ng ating pamahalaan, ‘yung pagkasunduan, pagtulungan ‘yung mga aspeto na puwedeng maging batayan para matulungan natin ang nakararami sa ating mga kababayan," he added. —NB, GMA News