Priest to TV networks, ads group: Stop airing condom ads

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Tuesday appealed to the Ads Standard Council and TV networks to stop airing condom advertisements. 

Father Melvin Castro, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life executive secretary, reminded that there should be always parental guidance especially when these ads are being aired during primetime.

"Corruption of values and minds ng kabataan ang idinudulot ng commercial ng condom. Nasa primetime hour ito, mga kabataan ang nakakakita niyan. Ipinagpilitan natin na dapat may patnubay at gabay ng magulang. As I said,  these ads are corrupting the minds and the hearts of our young people.

"So we are appealing to concerned agency, sana i-review nila ang ads na may paggalang sa mga may murang edad,sikat na artista pa naman ang model ng ads. Kasi obviously malaki ang kita dyan," the prelate added.

Father Castro also expressed disappointment because the condom ads are still being aired despite the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court on the Reproductive Health Law.

"It only shows na with or without the RH law they can do everything they want. The mere fact na nakapagpatalastas sila ng ganyan it only goes to show na hindi talaga kailangan ang batas. Hindi kailangan ang batas upang ipatupad ang kanilang mga adhikain na ganyan," the prelate added.

He said that there is no need for the RH Law since there is a "democratic space" to advocate for the use of contraceptives.

Father Castro said advertising companies abide by the existing code of ethics and that they should be sensitive and respect the religious beliefs and teachings of a particular religion.