The RH Law 10354 is the approved version of the
former RH Bill 4244. It is a controversial issue both for the pro-life and the
Catholic Church. They consider the law as anti-life because of the promotion of
contraceptives as under the artificial family planning. There are two words to
bear in mind – contra as against and conception as life. Thus it is labeled as
anti-life. The stand of the Catholic Church is pro-life, and it is against the
teaching of hers.
As a professed Catholic, my stand is a clear no to
the RH Law. And anybody who belongs to the circle of the Catholic Church must take
the conservative approach by saying no to RH Law. But on the other hand, as a
citizen of the country, I must look myself in the bigger picture. There are
many people living in this country who are different from me. I am a Catholic
and others are not Catholic, or not all Filipinos are Catholics and not all Catholics
are Filipinos in this country.
Therefore, in the spirit of fairness and democracy,
I think I have to consider the law. There are people who are pro-RH based on
their beliefs and cultures. I must not deprive others who are for it. In this
sense, there is this genuine exercise of conscience. Since I am a Catholic, I
will act according to what I believe by using only the natural family planning
method.
I am sure that our Catholic leaders will not
give up in its advocacy to promote life and abhor that which promoting death. The
RH Law is likened to the apple in the Garden of Eden. It is the duty of our
religious leaders to strength the morals and faith of her followers so that
they will not succumb to the temptation of using the contrary method.
