7 Bataan villages ban artificial contraceptives
By Reinir Padua The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines – Reproductive health (RH) bill advocates are protesting the ordinances passed by seven barangays in Balanga, Bataan, banning the use of artificial contraceptives.

The RH bill advocates tagged the artificial contraceptives’ regulation as “unconstitutional,” saying that it is now within the power of barangay officials to implement such measures.

They have submitted position papers to local government units, questioning the ordinances. They also intend to file complaints before the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) against the barangay offcials who passed the ordinances.

In a forum held in Quezon City today, former University of the Philippines College of Law dean Pacifico Agabin said the ordinances violate the right to privacy and the right to equal protection of the villagers.

Agabin said the subject of the ordinances are not even within the functions of the barangays, noting that concerns on medicine such as artificial contraceptives are already being regulated by the national government.

“Ang ganitong klaseng ordinance ay hindi papasa sa husgado (These kind of ordinances will pass in court),” Agabin said.

Agabin represents the group, EnGendeRights, which filed a position paper before the concerned barangays and before the city council of Balanga.

Read full article @ www.philstar.com

Related articles

• Barangay San Antonio – Pasig, Philippines (travelpod.com)
• Balangueños Soon to Benefit From P10.3-m Road Project From Dar (tuklasinnatin.wordpress.com)
• Reproductive Health bill a ‘population’ measure Filipino Rep. admits, then backtracks | LifeSiteNews.com (pprnnews.wordpress.com)
• Qc Needs Blood Donations From Mall-goers (tuklasinnatin.wordpress.com)
• Mandaue City: 42nd Charter Day Awardees (cebulive.wordpress.com)