Bishop sees govt freely giving contraceptives to public

MANILA, Philippines - A bishop on Monday said that the Supreme Court's ruling on the constitutionality of the Reproductive Health Law will allow the government to openly distribute free contraceptives in the country.

Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life chairman, also expressed disappointment over the rampant  use of contraceptives among Filipinos because of the SC decision.

"By the declaration of the Supreme Court that the RH law is not unconstitutional, the government may now promote contraception and distribute free contraceptives throughout the country. This is unfortunate because the use of contraceptives is bad and harmful and harmful not only for Catholics but for all human beings.

"For Catholics, who comprise around 80 percent of Filipinos, the use of contraceptives is a sin. Although the RH law does not force anyone to use contraceptives, the fact that contraceptives are being given for  free is a strong inducement for people to receive and use them. This is only one of the bad provisions of the RH law," the prelate said in statement.

The bishop, however, said it is a victory for all pro-lifers after the High Tribunal declared eight provisions of the RH Law.

Bishop Reyes also called on the pro-life groups and advocates to continuously be vigilant on the implementation of the controversial statute.