7 Bataan barangays slammed for banning contraceptives

MANILA, Philippines - Seven barangays in Balanga, Bataan have passed ordinances banning artificial contraception, raising howls of protest from advocates of reproductive health.

The ordinances, according to the protesting groups, are “unconstitutional,” saying it is not within the powers of barangay officials to pass such measures.

They submitted position papers questioning the ordinances, saying they also intend to file complaints before the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Commission on Human Rights against the officials of the seven barangays.

In a forum in Quezon City the other day, former University of the Philippines’ College of Law dean Pacifico Agabin said the ordinan-ces violate the right to privacy and the right to equal protection, among others.

Agabin represents EnGendeRights, which has submitted a position paper against the ordinances to the concerned barangays and the Balanga City council.

The seven barangays are Cupang Proper, Cupang West, Puerto Rivas Ibaba, Puerto Rivas Itaas, Puerto Rivas Lote, Tortugas and Tanato.

Lawyer Clara Rita Padilla, executive director of EnGendeRights, said these ordinances are identical and all restrict access to contraceptives.