[In the news] Aquino explains his RH position to Pacquiao – Interaksyon.com

Aquino explains his RH position to Pacquiao – Interaksyon.com. Chichi Conde, InterAksyon.com MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III explained his administration’s five-point stand on the need to make available a full menu of family planning methods, both natural and artificial, to Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao during the latter’s courtesy call at the Palace on…

Human Rights Online Philippines

May 21, 2011

2–3 minutes

Benigno Aquino III, CPR, Edcel Lagman, ESC, ESCR, Interaksyon.com, Manila, Manny Pacquiao, Paquiao, Philippine, Reproductive health, RH Bill, Sarangani, Shane Mosley

Aquino explains his RH position to Pacquiao – Interaksyon.com.

Chichi Conde, InterAksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III explained his administration’s five-point stand on the need to make available a full menu of family planning methods, both natural and artificial, to Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao during the latter’s courtesy call at the Palace on Friday afternoon.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Pacquiao with the President raised the same concerns he voiced out during his debate with House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman two days ago.

“The President cited as example the girl he met at Baseco. He explained that couples will not be forced to use family planning methods if they do not want to nor will we favor one method over the other because these are the concerns of Manny Pacquiao,” Valte said.

“Pacquiao understood the five-point stand on responsible parenthood,” Valte said, but she acknowledged that there were no signs that the boxing champ’s anti-reproductive health bill stance was changed during the meeting.

Aquino’s five-point stand on the responsible parenthood issue is as follows:

1. I am against abortion.

2. I am in favor of giving couples the right to choose how best to manage their families so that in the end, their welfare and that of their children are best served.

3. The State must respect each individual’s right to follow his or her conscience and religious convictions on matters and issues pertaining to the unity of the family and the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death.

4. In a situation where couples, especially the poor and disadvantaged ones, are in no position to make an informed judgment, the State has the responsibility to so provide.

5. In the range of options and information provided to couples, natural family planning and modern methods shall be presented as equally available.

Valte said the courtesy call, which was made to mark Pacquiao’s victory over Shane Mosley, lasted for more than an hour.

Pacquiao gave Aquino a gray sweatshirt and a yellow t-shirt, both autographed, while the President gave the lawmaker a “small gift.”