House Bill (HB) No. 96 Is Pro-Abortion

Dr. Condrado Ll. Lorenzo, Jr., from Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Makati Medical Center, published an article “Why is House Bill No. 96 Pro Abortion?” (Impact, no. 10, October 2010, p. 14).

HB 96 was introduced by Rep. Edcel Lagman, 1st Regular Session, 15th Congress, July 1, 2010.

Sec. 3 (c): “The State shall promote, without bias, all modern natural and artificial methods of family planning that are medically safe, legal and effective.”

Dr. Lorenzo’s comment: “In effect, this provision mandates the states to promote intra-uterine device (IUD) which causes medical abortion.”

He explains: “The IUD is a plastic device (usually a coil) that is inserted into the uterine cavity and left there for as long as the woman wants to contracept.”

Continues Dr. Lorenzo: “being a foreign body, it triggers a ‘foreign body reaction’ in the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterus. The foreign body reaction renders the endometrium hostile to a fertilized egg. So when the fertilized egg attempts to implant itself in the endometrium, it is rejected and dies. Many authors call this mechanism medical abortion.”

He furthers argues: “This sec. 3 (c) promotes also the use of different kinds of ‘morning after’ pills such as RH 486, which is marketed in the U.S. as Mifiprex, Plan B, Optimor…”

“Mifiprex”, he clarifies, “uses a combination of two medications, namely, mifepristone and miso prostol. Mifepristone is usually given in the clinic. It blocks progesterone, a hormone which is needed to maintain pregnancy, causing the endometrium to slough off. Bleeding occurs and the cervix softens…”

“Then, 24 to 72 hours after the first medication”, Dr. Lorenzo states, “misoprostol is given which causes the uterus to contract. The pregnancy is usually expelled within 6 to 8 hours. When these two drugs are used in combination, they are 95-97% effective.

“Clearly, Dr. Lorenzo concludes, ‘HB 96 not only subverts the moral fibre of Filipinos by promoting medical abortion. It also goes against the Constitution of the Philippines which states [The State] shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception’” (Sec. 12, Art. II).

House Bill No. 96 is immoral as well as unconstitutional.

103rd Bishops Plenary Assembly (BPA)

The 103^rd BPA was held on 9-11 July 2011, Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, Manila.

Attendance: 82 of 98 active members (83.67%) and 7 of 35 honorary members.  Total: 89.

a)      President’s Address.  CBCP President Bishop Nereo Odchimar spoke on same sex marriage, contraceptives, divorce.  These indicate shift in priority of values, moral relativism and loss of sense of God.

b)      Msgr. Gábor Pintér, chargé d’ affaires a.i., transmitted Pope Benedict XVIs message to the bishops.  Pope encouraged bishops to defend human life, sacredness of marriage and of family.  Papal Nuncio Pinto will arrive inManilaon 15 July 2011.

c)      Mission Sunday Collections to be remitted in “their entirety to the P.M.S. director who will then forward them without any deduction and through established channels to the Superior Council of the said societies” (Ivan Card. Dias, prefect, Congregatio Pro Gentium Evangelizatione).

d)     Antonio Card. Canizeres Llovera, Prefect, Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, issued on 22 February 2011 the Decree granting “Recognitio” (confirmation) to the English Language Translation Text of the Missale Romanum.  This new English translation will be implemented on First Sunday of Advent 2012 (Dec. 2).

e)      Pontificio Collegio Filippino is asking a donation of P20,000 every 3 years from Marbel Diocese.

f)       CBCP approved Pastoral Letter on Aids.  1^st Sunday of Advent is Aids Sunday.  CBCP also approved a statement on the 7 Bishops vs. PCSO.

g)      Fr. Amado Picardal, CSsR, is the newBEC Executive Secretary.  His 4-year term starts June 2011.  BEC National Assembly, 11-13 October 2011, Maryhill, Taytay, Rizal.

h)      CBCP approved by 66 votes inclusion in Ordo Optional Memorial of Blessed John Paul II.

i)        National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy on 12-15 September 2011, Boracay, Aklan.

j)        CBCP’s Major officers for Dec. 1, 2011 – Nov. 30, 2013.  President – Archbishop Jose Palma,Cebu; Vice-Pres. – Abp. Socrates Villegas, Lingayen, Dagupan; Treasurer – Bishop John Du, Dumaguete; Secretary-General – Msgr. Joselito Asis, the incumbent ASecGen.

k)      House’s Stand on RH Bill as of 08 June 2011.

                                                     Against                   Pro                                       Unclear stand

            Political Parties           117                           70                                         39

            Party Lists                       16                            35                                          5

            Total                               133                           105                                        44

                                    Rep. Pacquaio             Rep. Avance-Fuentes              Rep. Acharon, Jr.

l)        7 Bishops vs PCSO

Ms. Margarita Juico, PCSO, Chair, accused 7 bishops of violating the constitutional provision on separation of Church and State by accepting 7 pajeros SUV from the PCSO in 2009 under the Arroyo Administration.

Facts:

1. Bishop Rodolfo Beltran, Bontoc-Lagawe used the P600,000 from PCSO to purchase a secondhand 10-year old Nissan Pathfinder pick-up, cost: P280,000.  Vehicle used for medical missions in far-flung areas.  Remaining funds used for Alay Kapwa programs.
2. Bp. Leopoldo Jaucian, Bangued, Abra.  Received P1.129 million.  Bought Mitsubishi Strada pick up utility vehicle.  Cost: P1.107M.  Used to transport personnel and carry needed materials for service missions to the poor and needy constituents of Abra province.
3. Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo.  Received P1.44M.  Purchased aToyotaGrandia Hi-Ace.  Cost: P1.4M.  Used forSocialActionCenterfor distribution of medicines and relief goods to disaster hit areas.  And for community health programs in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato,CotabatoCityand Shariff Kabungsuan.
4. Bp. Martin Jumoad, Basilan.  Received P1.125M.  Bought a Mitsubishi Strada pick-up utility vehicle.  Cost: P1.22M.  Used for medical and health missions and community visitations to the indigent communities in Basilan.
5. Abp. Romulo Walles, Zamboanga.  Received: P1.54M.  PurchasedToyotaHi-Ace Grandia.  Cost: P1.518M.  Used to deliver project services to BECs, especially medical-related services in Zamboanga.
6. Bp. Juan de DiosPueblos, Butuan.  Received: P1.704M.  Bought a Mitsubishi Montero.  Cost: P. 1.629M.  For community and health program in CARAGA, especially the poor in far-flung areas who need health and medical services.
7. Abp. Ernesto Salgado, Vigan, IlocosSur.  Received: P720,000 as financial assistance to Caritas, Nueva Segovia (Ilocos Sur).  Sr. Lilian Carranza, OSB bought an Isuzu Crosswind utility vehicle. Cost: P720,000.  For health, dental and medical outreach programs for indigents in IlocosSur.

CBCP’s position.  Receiving financial assistance from PCSO for the poor and needy is not a violation of the Constitution.  Beneficiaries are the poor – citizens of the State.  Any benefit accruing the bishops is only incidental.  Neither is it immoral.  To return or not the vehicle is left to the decision of the 7 bishops.

The 7 bishops’ decisions – (1) attend the Senate hearing on July 13, 2011; (2) apologize to the faithful and CBCP for the pain and confusion; (3) return the vehicles ASAP.

House Bill 4244

HB 4244 is essentially a population control bill. To achieve the ideal of two children means – natural and “modern” are employed.

One group of means is the IUD.  In whatever form, intrauterine device is designed to avoid pregnancy – preventing the sperm to fertilize the egg.  In the event that pregnancy does occur the IUD will make the lining/walls of the uterus inhospitable for the fertilized egg.  In other words, the fertilized egg or zygote, endowed at conception with spiritual soul by God – the Creator, is prevented from implanting itself in the uterus or womb.  New life is terminated!  Abortifacient.

Motive of contraceptives is selfishness.  Couple simply want sexual gratification.  Sexual act is not open to transmission of life (condom).  And they are prepared to terminate new life (IUD, etc.).

Let us oppose very strongly this evil HB 4244!

Two Passionists Deacons Ordained Priests

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez ordained priests Rev. Jeffty Madura Mendez, CP and Rev. Ramel Sumatra Poquita, CP on 12 April 2011 at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish Church, General Santos City.

Forty priests concelebrated: 10 diocesan and 30 Passionist.

Bishop’s homily.

God sent the prophet Jeremiah (cf. Jer. 1:4-10).

A prophet has two roles: (1) to announce God’s will; build God’s kingdom and promote the integrity of God’s creation; (2) to denounce evil, destroy unjust, sinful structures and speak against immorality.

Specifically, a prophet-in-mission builds the church as a community of Christ’s disciples and church of the poor; inspires the establishment of Basic Ecclesial Communities; promote a healthy environment; and exhorts people to construct a more human, free and just society.

On the other hand the prophet campaigns against corruption, the Mining Act of 1995, coal-fired power plant, exploitation of women and children.

More specifically the prophet must campaign against the passage of H.B. 4244 or Reproductive Health Bill.  Reasons: (1) Human life is sacred because it comes from God; (2) The State has no right no arrogate to itself parents’ primary, inalienable right and duty to educate offsprings, including sexual education; (3) RH Bill 4244 peddles lies: a) condom prevents the spread of HIV/AIDS (Thailand where condom use is prevalent has the most number of HIV/AIDS victims in South East Asia; b) the Philippines is overpopulated (Density per sq. km. is only 73); c) overpopulation causes poverty (several reasons like corruption, greed, but no correlation between population and poverty); d) women are owners of their bodies (God is the owner; women are stewards, etc).

 Priests tend Christ’s flock, willingly; a motive for tending is not profit but service.  This service is a humble service (1 Pet. 5: 1-4).

Effective service is the result of love.  Jesus said: “Love one another as I have loved you”.  Christ’s love is sacrificial, universal and forgiving. (Jh. 15: 12-17).

Rev. Jeffty Madura Mendez, CP was born on 10 July 1982 to Jaime and Eflida in Poblacion Loon, Bohol.  Degrees: AB Philosophy,University of San Carlos, Cebu City.  Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Loyola School of Theology, Quezon City.

Rev. Ramel Sumatra Poquita, CP was born on 19 October 1983 to Rafael and Erlinda in Monkayo, CompostellaValley.  Degrees: AB Philosophy, San Carlos University, Cebu City and Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Loyola School of Theology, Quezon City.

Bishops-Legislators Caucus Of The Philippines

This Caucus took place on 31 January, 2011 at Pope Pius XII Center, Manila.

Issue was the Reproductive Health Bills.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Chairman, Senate Pro-Life Caucus, mentioned: need for consultations, many bills, prudent and cautious process, one’s life, including the unborn, must be protected.

Congressman Roilo S. Golez, Chairman, Pro-Life Caucus, House of Representatives: HB 13 “Protection of the unborn” was authored by him.  Investigate oral contraceptives.  Consider all aspect.  Bishops to dialogue with his representatives to generate support against HB 96 and others.

Sen.  Vicente C. Sotto III, Majority Leader and Vice-Chairman, pro-Life Caucus: RH 96 is unnecessary.  Enhance anti-poverty programs.  Foreigners are funding supporters of RH 96.

Deputy speaker Pablo P. Garcia, Vice-Chairman, Pro-Life Caucus, House of Representatives said RH 96 will “be aborted” in the House.  Cited several constitutional provisions against RH 96.  One example, Section 12, Art. II: Family-basic autonomous social institution.  Legal and moral arguments against RH 96.  Encourage the Integrated Bar of the Philippinesto come out with a statement on RH 96.  The CBCP has already provided moral arguments.

Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar, Tandag, CBCP President gave an opening message on the sacredness of life which is a gift from God.

Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto, San Fernando, Pampanga, Chairman, CBCP Commission on Family and Life, introduced the more than 80 bishops present (not singly).

Archbishop Jose S. Palma, Cebu, CBCP Vice-President led the invocation.

Bishop Jesse E. Mercado, Parañaque, Chairman, CBCP Commission on the Laity made the synthesis.

M.C.s: Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Imus, Chairman, CBCP Commission on Doctrine and Congresswoman Rachel Marguerite B. del Mar.

There were 3 senators (Sen. Honasan) and around 20 members of the House of Representatives.

Future looks bright for the faithful followers; dark for the unfaithful.

Position Paper On The RH Bills

Faculty, students and alumni of the University of the Philippines came out with a position paper against the Reproductive Health Bills (HB 96 and its related bills)

1) Population is not an obstacle to development. Nobel prize winner Simon Kuznet’s research has shown that there is insignificant empirical association between population growth rates and output per capita (economic growth). Similar studies confirmed Kuznet’s findings: US National Research Council (1986), UN Population Fund Consultative Meeting of Economists (1992), Eric Hanushek and Ludger Wößmann (2007), among others.

2) Instead, the government has to channel limited funds to job creation and education.

3) Fertility rates in the Philippines are progressively decreasing from average rate of 7 in 1960 to 3.1 in 2008. IN 2025 it is expected to reach 2.1., the replacement level – WITHOUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION.

4) Resources should be used to address the leading causes of death: tuberculosis, heart disease, diarrhea.

5) Condoms are not wise investments. We have the lowest incidence of HIV cases in the ADB report. Thailand, the model in condom promotion, has the highest.

6) Oral Contraceptive Pills are carcinogens, (International Agency for Research on Cancer).

7) It is the State’s duty to order society by promoting the well being of its citizens. It is not the State’s job to facilitate access to what is harmful.

DUMP THE CONTENTIOUS AND FLAWED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILLS. PASS MORE BILLS STRENGTHENING THE FILIPINO FAMILY, PROTECTING ITS CITIZENS AGAINST THE RISKS OF CONTRACEPTION, DEFENDING THE SCIENTIFIC FACT THAT CONTRACEPTION BEGINS AT FERTILIZATION PRODUCING ESSENTIAL MEDICINES FOR THE MAIN CAUSES OF DEATH, MAKING QUALITY EDUCATION MORE ACCESSIBLE AND PROVIDING MORE JOBS.