Robredo says she will not impose religious beliefs on gov't policies

Vice President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo said her religious beliefs will not get in the way in crafting the policies of her administration if she wins the elections.

Robredo reiterated she is against divorce, death penalty and abortion, but vowed to hear contrasting view in formulating government policies.

“I am against divorce, death penalty, abortion, pero kapag humawak po ako ng posisyon, hindi ko po ipipilit ang aking paniniwala," she said during the Catholic E-Forum hosted by Catholic Church-run Radio Veritas.

"Bilang pangulo, obligasyon po natin na makinig sa divergent voices, dapat pinakikinggan ang iba’t ibang organisasyon kahit iba iba ang pinanggalingan kasi hindi lang ako presidente ng mga Katoliko,” she added.

A devout Catholic, Robredo was asked is she would stand firm on her position even if a number of her supporters are in favor of the passage of a divorce law and decriminalizing abotion.

“Iyong aking faith, hindi matatawaran. I have been a congressman, vice president, human rights lawyer...hindi po ako nadadala sa agos ng panahon," she said.

Robredo explained: "I am against divorce and I have been a lawyer for victims of domestic abuse. I believe that we have enough laws to cover that under the Family Code which is annulment and the declaration of the nullity of marriage, but the problem is it is not very accessible to the poor. We have to make sure that these legal remedies are accessible sa mga mga walang pambayad."

In drafting government policies, Robredo said what is most beneficial and  credible data should take precedence over personal preferences.

“For example, in decriminalizing abortion, we have to look at the data that the safety of the mothers of unborn children are more endangered when they don’t have access to proper medical services and they instead go underground,” Robredo said.

“As president, you have to listen to everyone, including those who look at things differently. But my assurance is that I will always act to the best interest of the people,” Robredo added.

Robredo said same sex couples should not be prejudiced from access to government services. 

“Pope Francis said that we are all children of God. I am for same sex civil union because people should not be discriminated against, hindi sila dapat pinagkakaitan ng pagkakataon dahil lang sa kung sino ang mahal nila,” she said. 

“Iparamdam natin ang pagmamahal ng Diyos at pagmamahal sa kapwa,” she added.—LDF, GMA News