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What actually happened at Manila Cathedral: Revealing the lies and bigotry of Eric Manalang and Pro-Life Philippines

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the Editors

In TV interviews and several published articles, Pro Life Philippines President Eric Manalang lied about the events at Manila Cathedral, when members of Pro-Life Philippines harassed RH Supporters. Hopefully, this post (and the attached video) adds some clarity and reveals the lies Anti RH groups (including the CBCP) have been publishing — despite photos and videos that clearly shows what actually happened.

1. We were invited to this event.

Or at least we weren’t told that we couldn’t attend. There were invites posted on bulletin boards with the words, “Everyone is cordially invited.” The organizers did not say that the event was exclusively for anti-RH bill Catholics only. We were even given invitation flyers outside Manila Cathedral, despite the fact that we were visibly wearing Damaso shirts.

2. We were told to stay — at least initially. We weren’t asked to leave at once.

Marita Wasan, executive director of Pro-Life Philippines, told us we could wait outside until the mass was over. So we waited peacefully near the steps to the Cathedral — until Eric Manalang, president of Pro-Life Philippines attacked us, forcing us to leave.

3. Members of Pro-Life Philippines attacked us. We didn’t fight back in any way.

We were respectful — we kept calm, even as they repeatedly insulted us and eventually resorted to violence. They called us Satan. They asked us to tell our mothers that they should have aborted us. They pushed us and tried to grab our cameras. The media has made it seem that there was an exchange of harsh words. There was no exchange. We have videos proving that all the violence came from the Pro-Life side.

4. Eric Manalang is bigoted — even toward fellow Catholics.

When a Catholic mother said that she was still a Catholic despite her support for the RH Bill, Manalang said, “That’s an oxymoron.” Manalang was saying that you cannot both be a Catholic and a supporter of the RH Bill. If that is the case, then the Church should stop claiming that 85% of all Filipinos are Catholics, because recent surveys show that most Filipinos support the RH Bill.

But aside from claiming to know what it means to be a True Catholic, Manalang insults supporters of the RH Bill by calling them Satan. What’s worse, he — and other Pro-Life members — asked them to tell their mothers that they should have been aborted. Is he saying that he prefers RH Bill supporters were never born? Or worse — if abortion is killing — that they were murdered?

5. The Catholic Church Hierarchy and Pro-Life Philippines are liars.

In addition to expressing our support for the RH Bill, we attended the event to learn why the Anti-RH groups opposed the RH Bill. We found out that their opposition was based on nothing but lies.

They distributed pamphlets claiming, among other things, that even mere condoms — which they wrongly consider abortifacients — could give cancer, heart attacks, stroke, and disabilities to the user and their offspring. They claimed that there was universal evidence that condom use increased the spread of AIDS. There is absolutely no evidence that supports any of these claims — and plenty of evidence that contradicts them.

6. The writers of CBCP Online are liars:

In their retelling of the incident, they said that we “forced” to get inside the Church. We have video of the conversaton with Marita Wasan showing that there was no force — we simply asked if we could go in. When she said we should wait, we simply waited.

They said that the pro-RH group were mostly teenagers from the Filipino Freethinkers. Of the more than twenty people there, only two were teenagers. And more than half were members of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines.

They lied about what Manalang said. They quoted him saying the following:

“You are Catholics but you are dissidents. We are Catholics but we follow God’s commandment to protect life strictly,” shouted Manalang as the rallyists were leaving the cathedral.

Manalang never said any of this — neither did any of the other members of Pro-Life — while we were leaving the cathedral. What they actually said was harsh beyond imagination — “Satan!” “Your mother should have aborted you!.” Fortunately, we have the video to prove it.

* * *

The Church has repeatedly said that it is open to have a dialogue on the RH Bill.

But it’s now clear that not only are they unwilling to have a conversation, they are going to use lies, harsh words, and even violence to ensure that only their monologue is heard.

Catholics believe that Satan is the prince of lies. When Manalang shouted for Satan to stay out of the Church, it may have been too late. He was already inside.

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242 comments

  3. While I find the actions of the Pro-Life disgusting (e.g. cursing), especially by the President, I think both groups are at fault – that even the Fil Freethinkers are not innocent in this incident.

    I am a pro-RH (and a staunch one at that), but I highly disagree with any form of disrespect committed by the FilFreethinkers to the event. Remember that while everyone is invited to the event, it's main objective was for DISCERNMENT in the context of a holy mass. Remember that secularism is supposed to be an openness to religious beliefs or the absence of it, but it is never to be used to oppress the religion or atheism.

    The very act of wearing 'Damaso' shirts was obviously a sign of protest (and even an insult), regardless of your justifications (or rationalizations). The Church as an institution needs to also uphold certain values and while I highly disagree with their approach towards Church-State relations, I still believe that within their context, one must learn to respect.

    The very act of bringing political issues, either by protesting or even wearing anti-Church shirts, is also a violation of the Separation of Church and State, and even a violation of ethical standards.

    I don't praise the other side (pro-Life) with what happened, but there are good and bad people in both sides. Regardless of whatever stand you have with this issue, there is always the "high road" that one must take. Remember that everyone active in this issue is always looking for just one telos, one end goal: the betterment of the Filipino people. So let's learn to stop with useless dialogue such as this video. This has far, far too little concern with what the bill is fighting for.

  4. Almost a year later and the debate is still on. :@
    Nag-duty ako 8 years ago sa Fabella Hospital. And I saw the plight of hundreds of women DAILY. We need the RH Bill. I'm a Christian and I'm sincerely praying that this bill gets passed and more women's lives are saved on time.

  7. Manila Cathedral has been filled with hypocrisy and uncleanliness. Eric Manalang, President of the Pro-Life Philippines, has been whitewashed by the Bishops and clergy inside the Manila Cathedral. He's still a member of the Major League of Hypocrites and Brood of Vipers!

  8. Pro-life group and the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) are filled with hypocrisy! I compared them as whitewashed tombs but inside were dead men's bones. Jesus said: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27). Jesus exposed the evil attitudes of the Pharisees and scribes including the CBCP and Pro-life Group. So, therefore, their wicked attitudes exposed!

  9. I think also, that whatever insult this Manalang guy did is NOT shared and condoned by the whole of Pro-Life. This is in the same vein that not all Catholics who support the RH Bill are bad Catholics.

  10. I was raised from a devoted catholic family i served the church for some time in my life. The time that i got pregnant and got married inisp ko agad kung anu ang mga dapat gawin pag anjan na ang anak ko, di kelangang mag tanga tangahan sa mga consequences pag nabuntis ako ulit and so i had to talk to my husband and make a concrete plan sa maging pamilya namin para di kami mahirapan pag dating ng future.One major thing is the family planning. After kung manganak i know na what to do so nagpalagay ako ng IUD coz yun ang nakikita kung hiyang sa akin. Tell me, ibig sabhin ba nito kinokundena ako ng dyos dahil sa napili kung method? well i dont think so, kasi para sa akin bilang isang babae me karapatan akong alagaan ang health ko to the fullest and live an active sex life at the same time at para makapag hanap buhay para sa mga bills at makapag save para sa kinabukasan ng pamilya namin. If ang sagot ng simbahan sa akin is yes kukundinahin ako ng dyos sa aking pagpapalagay ng IUD then let me ask u this. Sino ba kayo to judge me at e judge at ang mga babae at mamamayan na pabor sa RH BILL? Dyos ba kayo?? sa inyo ba kami haharap pag namatay kami?? Ang pag husga nyo ba ang aking kailangan?? HOW DARE YOU palibhasa di nyo kasi nasubukan magka anak at magka asawa at magkapamilya at kumayod ng kumayod para magtrabaho. Napakadamot nyo at mga hipokrito kayong lahat. Nagkaron pa tayo ng demokrasya kung ipagdadamot samin ang aming kalayaang mamili, para kayong mga kumunista kung magpatupad ng rules. Kung ayaw nyo ipatupad ang RH BILL e di gumawa kayo ng mga eskwelahan na libre na pang hangang kolehiyo para sa mga pamilyang me mga anak na 4 o hangang isang dosena ka tao, tapos pakainin nyo ang mga pamilyang yan na libre at bigyan nyo narin ng libreng livelihood ang mga magulang..magpakitang gilas kayo kung talagang nagmamalasakit kayo sa utos ng dyos.. pero alam ko di nyo kayang gawin yan, sarap kasi ng mga buhay nyo e, naka aircon ang mga kwarto nyo at sarap ng mga kinakain nyo at me sasakyan pa kayo, bindisyon nga lang ng bungalow na bahay 500 pesos ka agad at ibang price pag dos andanas na bahay at eto e sheshare ko lang sa lahat ang isa pang hinanakit ko sa simbahan. Ngayong kasi pati yung pagalay ko ng misa buwan buwan sa mga namatay kung mga kamag anak pinag iinitan nyo pa, ang mass offering for souls e me presyo na din, 50 pesos daw per kaluluwa..SINO GINAGAGO NILA? nakaka shock dahil pati kaluluwa pinagkikitaan pa and i know for sure na kahit anung amount ang donation kahit piso pa yan. E ang dami kong mga patay na na kamag anak at ayaw kung me e d-drop ako sa listahan ko dahil lang sa singil nila but i always tell them na eto lang ang amount na kaya ko at di ko kaya ang amount na hinihingi nyo..so to make this short dismayado ako sa inyong mga nasa simbahan and it made me realized na all of you ay HINDI TAPAT SA INYONG BOKASYON. as of now im thinking to leave the church dahil sa inyo at panginoon nalang ang humusga sa akin.

  13. As a lawyer and Freemason, I am a freethinker… we recognize religious freedom and tolerate each other ideas and choice… we believe in man's inalienable rights, especially in pursuit of happiness… we condemn tyranny, especially religious tyranny….

    • Mr Sanchez, Do you want to know more about freemason? go to alex jones infowars you will know everything. why are you deleting my comments? im just telling the truth.

      • We're not deleting your comments – they sometimes take a while to register.

        And we've all read Alex Jones.

        he man is a deluded conspiracy theorist quack – if he's seriously your idea of a credible source for your ramblings, then may [Insert preferred deity here] have mercy on your soul, you poor fool.

    • i thought this site you have freedom to say whatever its right , but i think its a bunch of crap people. it its useless because they all bias and its all about controlling. Dont make filipino look like a foolish human being because you dont know how live like human being.

  14. Reynor, did it ever occur to you that most of the kids and teens today who are getting pregnant before their time got into their situation BECAUSE they learned about sexuality from their parents?

    • Article 2, Sec 12 of our constitution is clear about what the government can do and that is to provide support not a take-over. It is still the "natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character…"

      in any case, if the problem is wrong information from the parents the solution is to equip the parents to enable them to provide correct and useful information – a support from the state that our constitution dictates.

      • [in any case, if the problem is wrong information from the parents the solution is to equip the parents to enable them to provide correct and useful information – a support from the state that our constitution dictates. ]

        And that's why the ex education program is also aimed at young adults Reynor, not just their children in schools.

  15. For the love of god, why the hell can't anyone spell the name Dámaso correctly?

    Ironically, some here are acting grammar nazi and calling out the others for their misgivings in the language yet fail to take this in account.

    Now THAT is the real sacrilege here, not some group of misfits who got badmouthed by some delusional hacks for simply having a different opinion (and for wearing THAT shirt).

  17. NOW, THEY ARE FEIGNING INNOCENCE!!! jUST A question for them: if somebody enters your house, with a plan to disturb or destroy everything, would you allow him? Wearing Damaso t-shirt is enough of a provocation as they meant it is meant as an insult to the congregation gathered inside the church. btw, they are being victimized. Oh, I pity them!!!

    If they want respect, they should respect others too.

    For sure, they now know. CATHOLICS WILL NOT ALWAYS TURN THE OTHER CHEEK AROUND.

    THAT lawyer was wise enough to drive them away, deterring further sacrilege these people plans to commit. Once is always enough.

    • [if somebody enters your house, with a plan to disturb or destroy everything, would you allow him?

      And once again we see a false analogy, as written by somebody who didn't bother to read the article.

      There was no intention to destroy or disrupt the ceremonies, and here were certainly no declarations or even show of intent to damage property.

      [ Wearing Damaso t-shirt is enough of a provocation as they meant it is meant as an insult to the congregation gathered inside the church. btw, they are being victimized.]

      All that show is how hypersensitive the people in the cathedral are. And do stop trying twist the message of the shirt – the DAMASO declaration is meant as a expose on the hypocrisy and corruption within the church.

      Trying to make it sound like it's some sort of personal attack against individual churchgoers is like telling me that any insult hurled my city's mayor is an insult hurled at me.

      [Oh, I pity them!!! ]

      You are mistaken. Only Mr. T gets to dispense pity. You're not Mr. T, hence you're a foo'.

      [If they want respect, they should respect others too. ]

      Respect is earned, not given blindly. And the Pro-Lifers I've seen

      [For sure, they now know. CATHOLICS WILL NOT ALWAYS TURN THE OTHER CHEEK AROUND. ]

      We also now know for sure that Eric Manalang is unhinged, and needs help, and that his followers aren't too different: "Your mother should have aborted you!" ring a bell?

      [THAT lawyer was wise enough to drive them away, deterring further sacrilege these people plans to commit. Once is always enough. ]

      For a lawyer, he seems to have a very poor understanding of church and state; that the CBCP is attempting to force church doctrine on a secular government.

      And on a parting note, do try to avoid using all-caps in your statements – it makes you look like a fucking moron.

      …oh wait, too late 😉

    • I'm an atheist, if someone enters my house with a rosary on their neck would I allow them? Why not? I do not look upon it as a provocation or even an insult.

      But would I be right if I hurl obscenities at them and use the rosary as an excuse?

  18. THE CHURCH IS NOT A VENUE FOR PROTEST!!!

    What are they expecting, the people inside the church to embrace them, despite their insults? Whhoa..Btw, "damaso" was started by publicity-craving a**hole, and now they use it as a battlecry to malign church position on the bill — as a PERSONAL ATTACK for those against the bill, NOT ONLY FOR BISHOPS. After the master a**hole commited sacrilege in hte same church (and these people are actually planning the same), what do they expect from real Catholics, embrace them????

    What an oxy-moron for these m*r*ns are! They should have organized their own event instead, instead of provoking possible hostility for the sake of their much-craved CHEAP PUBLICITY.

    • Personal attack? You have this notion the world revolves around the church?

      As for sacrilege the pulpit has already been seen as a proper venue to further church interests even those outside of its scope. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/na… If the President, any one who has ever held the office expressed an idea people disagree with; he gets protests; hecklers as in UP Techno Hub or near Malacanang.

      You know to their credit, those presidents, they don't whine like your church. No, 'how dare those citizens interfere my speech, me, me, the most powerful office in the land'.

      Is your church a child? a Retard? Wanting to throw your hatred to a policy; parading your religion in a public debate, in a country your religion does not own; and all the while no one is allowed to confront you. You call any dissenting opinion fakes. What kind of group are you with anyway can't even listen to its own people.

      And where would you engage the government? Politicians homes? Theater halls? If you can organize a civil disobedience campaign without being the slightest inconvenience to any one who does not give a crap about what i say, do let me know. You will be in the streets like anybody else annoying somebody.

      For this episode however all went well until someone who seems to be hallucinating entered the frey. Talk to Ms Wasan who should talk to on what a church is or is not meant for. She engaged in a civil manner a group which had been quiet. She has views opposite our own and yet she did not sink in the same infantile obsession you had with tshirts.

      At least she had class which you seem unable to appreciate. Hope you don't declare her a fake on my account.

      • The pulpit has time and again been used by the politician-bishops for advancing their own political views/ protests. So the church is not a venue for protests? What an asshole. Ah, I know, the church is used for sacred and holy stuffs, like molesting pre-pubescent altar boys.

        And sacrilege? That is a meaningless word, specially here.

  19. THese PRO-RH BILL supporters were FAKES!!!, pretending to be Catholics which they aren't, and has not been. Why go into an unfriendly territory, wearing damaso shirts, protesting and PRETENDING to be pious Catholics attending Mass!!! when in fact u know somebody might be hostile to you?

    • [THese PRO-RH BILL supporters were FAKES!!!, pretending to be Catholics which they aren't, and has not been.]

      The Catholics for Choice group would like to disagree with you, 'O misogynystic one http://www.catholicsforchoice.org/

      [Why go into an unfriendly territory, wearing damaso shirts, protesting and PRETENDING to be pious Catholics attending Mass!!! ]

      They didn't attempt to deceive anybody. They asked to join the discussion, and were told to wait at the front door.

      [when in fact u know somebody might be hostile to you?]

      And telling somebody that they're satan or telling them they should be aborted, is equivalent to wearing a shirt that calls out an institution's corruption?

      On your planet, that may be alright, but the problem is you're on earth, dude, and that means we all think you're fucked up.

    • would you call a nun hostile personnel? or at least a layman. they were in a church for chirst sakes! who would have thought Manalang was crazy as a shithouse rat. i guess he skipped the part when jesus said, blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

  20. there's this thing called the separation of church and state.. i wonder why the church can't seem to follow that.. it's just sad that the church still holds the seat for political power in our country, not so obvious though…

    • separation of church and state is provided for in the in art 2 of the 1987 constitution and it is further clarified in the art 3 the bill of rights. it is directed towards the state and not the church so that the former won't mandate an official religion to avoid the possible oppression of religious minorities. it does not, however, ban the church from interfering with state affairs. to do so violates freedom of speech as well as the right to petition the government for the redress of grievances.

      i am for the rh bill, but the separation of church and state argument is often misleadingly used.

      • [it does not, however, ban the church from interfering with state affairs. to do so violates freedom of speech as well as the right to petition the government for the redress of grievances. ]

        At the same time, the Catholic church doesn't gave the right to go about imposing its dogma on non-Catholics in RP, which it is clearly doing so in trying to influence the RH Bill.

        The separation of Church and State clause is intended to prevent any one religion being favored by the state, a clause that I would say is being violated should the CBCP given they're the only religious entity being invited to open dialogue with the Gov't:
        http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13-to…

        [ to do so violates freedom of speech as well as the right to petition the government for the redress of grievances. ]

        They have a right to speak, but that doesn't give them the right to dispense their morality to non-Catholics. Neither does it permit them the right to spout bullshit on the matter of Reproductive Health, or to intentionally lie about the numbers, as they have consistently done in the past:
        https://filipinofreethinkers.org/2009/10/17/on-the… http://www.badscience.net/2010/09/the-pope-and-ai…

        If they lie about the facts, they should expect to be called liars, as they have consistently proven.

        [it is directed towards the state and not the church so that the former won't mandate an official religion to avoid the possible oppression of religious minorities.]

        Minority? Conservative figures have the number of Catholics in RP at about 65 percent. That is not a minority. If anything, it's people like me that should be worried about Catholics holding sway over the Philippine Gov't, given that you can easily hold sway over
        http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2004/35425.htm

        [to do so violates freedom of speech as well as the right to petition the government for the redress of grievances.]

        You mean that the CBCP would like to reserve its right to bitch and moan, and play the victim card like the bigots they are when they're called out. Such as when they petitioned for excemptions when the state passed the Magna Carta for women last year:
        http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/220983/unwed-pregna…

  21. People who are overeactive in proclaiming they were in God's and Catholic Church's guidance and over vigilant in branding who's right or wrong are sometimes has the most dirty little and shameful secret that they try to bury…

    What do you call that? PRO LIFE… No!
    Ed Manalang? Maybe
    Hypocrites… HELL YEAH!!!

  22. Mr. Manalang, you too represent the Catholic Church in the Philippines… Please act like one. If you will do that kind of remarks please say it to our Muslim brothers and im sure you will get a positive response that most of us may not like it but I do know that you will deserve it… Gaya ng sinasabi sa akin ng kakilala ko na pari, pastor at imam. "Tumanda ka ng pasulong, huwag paurong."

  23. This issue goes beyond religion already. It is about the viability of our nation and the future of our children. We do not want to turn our country into another Somalia where anarchy and war is a way of life because people have to fight each other to survive because there isnt enough resources like food and clean water to go around. That reality is not even far fetched if you are to look at our current situation where street children some barely in their teens have to resort to petty crimes in order to survive in the streets because their parents are too poor to feed themselves let alone their children. Not all Filipinos are catholics and not all catholics are against the rh bill.

  24. whatever the motivations of this manalang regarding…whatever, he acted more like a hood than a representative of pro-life. these are the kinds who tend to be bodily physical toward others in a certain confrontation. he's apt to to the like of the ampatuans and other government militants. phew to you, manalang!

  26. This guy eric manalang simply has no grounds for calling freethinkers "satan" or uttering words like "your mother should've aborted you." This video proves how ignorant and emotionally inclined these old hags are. I am in no way affiliated with freethinkers but I can attest to what it stands for, protecting Human rights.

  27. @wes – holiness is subjective and is dependent on the degree of brainwashing inflicted. Hmmm, does this mean someone with half a brain will cost half to indoctrinate? Aha, this is all economics and money. The mushroom principle rules!

  28. Don't diss on North Korea. They are the proof that the holy trinity does exist.

    Father : president for life, even dead
    Son: current president, even if half dead
    Holy Spirit – above mentioned dead president for life father

  29. What they did was like North Korean soldier walking into South Korea and expecting to be treated properly. The pro life people, even if they claim to represent god's teachings, are still people with emotions after all. The method used was just another "papansin" move. Slow clap for Mr. Celdran.

  30. "1. We were invited to this event.
    Or at least we weren’t told that we couldn’t attend. There were invites posted on bulletin boards with the words, “Everyone is cordially invited.” The organizers did not say that the event was exclusively for anti-RH bill Catholics only. We were even given invitation flyers outside Manila Cathedral, despite the fact that we were visibly wearing Damaso shirts."

    that's so funny! wahahaha! of course you're not invited because you espouse a different point of view. it's common sense. simply logic would have told you that these catholic people are calling on anti-rhb catholics. that's their own affairs. it would have been too absurd and rude if they stated: "only anti-rhb people are allowed to come." where's your logic, funny people? wahahah! an epic fail again…

  31. This country is damn overpopulated already! And what makes this worse is that no one seems to consider this to be a serious problem. Overpopulation causes pollution, poverty, starvation, crimes, and what-have-you’s. Government has to conduct some program and tell the people the effects of overpopulation. Mother Nature does not need more babies so people should stop breeding!

    Why I support the RH Bill? The answer is very simple.

    TOO MANY BABIES ARE BORN TOO SOON in the Philippines. Ang dami nang tao? Hindi ba kayo nasisikipan sa paligid n'yo?

    • Selfishness yan Den. Hindi overpopulated ang Pilipinas. Maramin lang madamot sa space. Baka nagiging isa ka na sa kanila. Wag pag initan ang walang kalaban laban na mga bata.

      • [Wag pag initan ang walang kalaban laban na mga bata.]

        Ironically, the RCC gives an uborn fetus far more compassion than they do the mother they're forcing to endure the pregnancy, and all the problems that follow one, regardless of their financial or medical situation.

        Stepping on women's right just so they can continue dispensing their deluded dogma? I'd call THAT selfish to the bone.

    • With all due respect, however: I've always wondered what would happen if the abandoned buildings were put to good use as residential areas (like the ones found in Metro Manila), government implementations had been more stricter regarding the policies against bars which reinforce prostitution (such as the Fields Avenue in Angeles City), architectural and agricultural development/reform was given even the slightest smidge of priority, relocation sites were improved as to provide secure shelter and accesible work opportunities and all people were educated more on financial literacy?

      Perhaps there wouldn't be much debate on the RH Bill anymore, since there wouldn't be so much focus on it. Come one, people. It's not all about population, there are bigger and more important factors to tackle here.

      • The RH Bill as it is currently framed is about helping our people make an informed choice in planning, which will hopefully result in less unwanted pregnancies and the painful complication that go with them, such as our horrendous maternal mortality rates that plague our women; up to three women will day each day to illegal abortions.

        And while we don't want these deaths to happen, the fact is that banning any form of birth control except for that sanctioned by the RCC will only worsen the situation. So you're right. The RH Bill isn't entirely about just population control – it's about preventing any more unneeded deaths and giving women far more choice in determining their lives.

        So unlike you, I;d like to think that giving a damn about women's rights is certainly an equally important issue as our agricultural woes.

        [Perhaps there wouldn't be much debate on the RH Bill anymore]

        Media coverage over an issue is not always measure of its importance. If it were, we'd probably be going to war over anybody who badmouths Kris or Noy.

        • I wasn't actually referring to media coverage on my statement. And sir, I never said that caring about women's rights are an octave lower than agricultural woes. When I wrote that statement, what I meant was that instead of focusing so much on such a bill, why not try to solve the other factors that brought about such a condition for our women in the first place?

          Why are there many unwanted pregnancies in the Philippines? Yes, lack of education plays a role. We've also got abuse, we've got crimes and other factors. The question is, however, if the RH Bill is passed into Congress, will it be able to solve these problems? If we do not deal with these factors even with such a bill, what will happen?

          • My point here, sir, is that there are other factors to consider–factors which, combined, may bring about even more problems for our women and for the rest of the Philippines in the long run. I'm sorry if what I've been stating is subject to debate, I'm just stating my opinion like all the others. My original purpose of posting in the first place was to reply to Den Relojo that it "isn't entirely about population control", as you've said. Forgive me if it seemed to be like an attack on your opinion/s. I hope I was able to explain my point more clearly.

          • The RH bill is aimed at helping creating better awareness among men and women and helping them be more capable at weighing in their options regarding their sex lives.

            It's not meant as a cure all – it would be best to see it as part of a multi-tiered solution to the overall problem of poverty and health concerns in our country. Part of that solution may include addressing the problems you mentioned among other things, but to assume that the RH Bill will solve all of our woes is being shortsighted.

            To use a metaphor, when a doctor advises a patient on their weight loss regimen, they will normally assign you a dieting and exercise program. Viewed individually, they're not that effective, but used as part of a larger goal – like components to a machine – they're effective.

  32. created us equal.. i don't want to reprimand anybody… yet god gave us free-will, the will to choose what's good or evil, the right from wrong… i myself is a roman catholic with high respect for the mother church; for the value of each persons lives whether existing or still in the womb… the church maybe is against this for so many reasons that really exist nowadays… like the rampant sex free of our youth that leads to so many sex related ailments, untimely pregnancies, & sad to say, forced or induced abortion… those who are into into this, maybe because of the ballooning POPULATION… the only options naman talaga is BE RESPONSIBLE, BE DISCIPLINED… IN SHORT, LEARN TO ZIP THE FLY WHEN YOU KNOW THAT ITS NOT SAFE TO DO IT……

    • And education, not head-in-the-sand hypocritical platitudes and censorship, is how people can learn to be the judge of their behavior.

      Funny because the church is against sex-ed in schools – how else would the young know? – and demands that belief in dogma supersedes rational thought.

      But then again, with the growing population who can't afford to give their kids proper education (not just schooling), the meek shall indeed inherit!

      More sheep. Give shepherds more to control.

      • be well-informed. the bill forces the citizens to surrender their right and authority over their children in regards to their children's sex education. it also forces everyone to take part of something that others find contradicting to their beliefs. it also suppresses the freedom of speech in regards to their opinion on contraception. all violation will "be penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of Ten Thousand (P 10,000.00) to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P 50,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment."

        • For somebody who's telling other people to be well-informed, you're talking a lot of rubbish. Again.

          [the bill forces the citizens to surrender their right and authority over their children in regards to their children's sex education. it also forces everyone to take part of something that others find contradicting to their beliefs.]

          Pay close attention people! These are the lessons that you children may be brainwashed to listen to in class *Gasp* (SEC. 13. Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education, page 10):

          [Age-appropriate reproductive health and sexuality education shall be integrated in all relevant subjects and shall include, but not limited to, the following topics:
          a. Values formation;
          b. Knowledge and skills in self protection against discrimination, sexual violence and abuse, and teen pregnancy;
          c. Physical, social and emotional changes in adolescents;
          d. Children’s and women’s rights;
          e. Fertility awareness;
          f. STI, HIV and AIDS;
          g. Population and development;
          h.Responsible relationship;
          i. Family planning methods;
          j. Proscription and hazards of abortion;
          k. Gender and development; and
          l. Responsible parenthood.]

          Really Reynor, only a complete dick would think health lessons are some sort of government agenda to "recruit" our children. Shall we start letting creationists opt their kids out of biology class as well?

          [it also suppresses the freedom of speech in regards to their opinion on contraception. all violation will "be penalized by imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine of Ten Thousand (P 10,000.00) to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P 50,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment." ]

          What you seem to have conveniently omitted are the actions that result in said penalties (SEC. 22. Prohibited Acts, page 12-13):

          [Any healthcare service provider, whether public or private, who shall:

          1. Knowingly withhold information or restrict the dissemination thereof, and/or intentionally provide incorrect information regarding programs and services on reproductive health, including the right to informed choice and access to a full range of legal, medically-safe and effective family planning methods;

          2. Refuse to perform legal and medically-safe reproductive health procedures on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of third party consent or authorization. In case of married persons, the mutual consent of the spouses shall be preferred. However in case of disagreement, the decision of the one undergoing the procedure shall prevail. In the case of abused minors where parents and/or other family members are the perpetrators as certified to by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), no prior parental consent shall be necessary; and

          3. Refuse to extend health care services and information on account of the person’s marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, or nature of work; Provided, That, the conscientious objection of a healthcare service provider based on his/her ethical or religious beliefs shall be respected; however, the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another healthcare service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible; Provided, further, That the person is not in an emergency condition or serious case as defined in RA 8344 penalizing the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency and serious cases.]

          In short, the bill will penalize any health worker who DOES NOT DO THEIR JOB PROPERLY. You seem to be the only one here who finds something wrong in some much-need professional work ethic.

          To those reading my comment, you don't have to take my word for it either. I invite you to read the full bill itself at the following link, and discern it for yourself: :
          http://www.pngoc.org/Download%20Section/HB%2096%2…

          • all in the list can be taught in school at the present moment, there is no need for another law to do that. the only thing new is the promotion of contraceptive sex hiding behind the term "sex education".

            here is a simple question to ask.

            if i am a parent and would like to teach my child, myself, about sex where and when i deem fit for his age, mental capacity, and moral state of being, will I be allowed to do that when the RH Bill becomes a law?

          • [all in the list can be taught in school at the present moment, there is no need for another law to do that.]

            They can, but the problem is that the current school programs are not required to teach sex education. To my understanding, HB 96 will address this problem by making it a requirement for public schools

            [the only thing new is the promotion of contraceptive sex hiding behind the term "sex education".]

            Contraceptives are only is only a small portion of the bill sex ed program. To enumerate some of the other segments of the bill you seem to have missed:

            SEC. 5. Midwives for Skilled Attendance.
            SEC. 7. Access to Family Planning.
            SEC. 11. Benefits for Serious and Life-Threatening Reproductive Health Conditions.
            SEC. 14. Additional Duty of Family Planning Office.

            If there is anything that this bill promotes, it's to educate the people on all their options in planning their family, and teaching them about the risks of each.

            [if i am a parent and would like to teach my child, myself, about sex where and when i deem fit for his age, mental capacity, and moral state of being, will I be allowed to do that when the RH Bill becomes a law?]

            Yes. While the sex ed programs are mandatory…

            SEC. 13. Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education.

            …you're well within your rights to teach your kids about sexuality as well.

          • "SEC. 13. Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education.

            …you're well within your rights to teach your kids about sexuality as well."

            the question is if I am a parent who wish to educate the children myself where and when i see fit, what if i feel that my child is not yet ready, will i be able to opt-out of this mandatory sex education in schools?

          • [the question is if I am a parent who wish to educate the children myself where and when i see fit, what if i feel that my child is not yet ready, will i be able to opt-out of this mandatory sex education in schools? ]

            I already said that from the way the current bill reads, unless you have a different interpretation of the word MANDATORY.

          • mandatory means obligatory or required by law. it means any parents who may wish to subject their children to "sex education" where, when, and by other than what the bill is trying mandate will have no other option or they will be facing fine and imprisonment. that is clearly not "choice".

          • Raynor, did you have sex ed while you were growing up? or all the knowledge you had about sex was a result of experiences or lack thereof. Bad decision to teach your kid bout sex when you are ill-equipped. leave it to the experts, or at least personnel who have formal training.

  34. why don't you make a youtube of this article so that people who don't like to read but like to watch videos will have a field day. that way there are better chances of it going viral.

    also make a podcast

    but i think the best is make their offensive statements into ringtones!

  35. I can't help wondering if things would turn out the way they did had not the RH Bill advocates worn the Damaso shirts. Though many may argue that they were simply shirts, they bore a statement that was probably offensive to others, especially in that place and occasion.

    I am very disappointed and offended, though, at how the Pro-Life Philippines representatives handled the whole thing, and how harshly they insulted the Filipino Freethinkers.

    In the end, whether we're for the RH Bill or against it, we're all just people who confidently and passionately stand for what we believe in. God bless us all.

  36. What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)?

    Matthew 23:13:
    "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up
    the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do
    you allow those who are entering to go in."

    Matthew 23:27-29
    "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like
    whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full
    of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear
    righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

  37. So very fortunate to have a god who also happens to like and believe all the same things that you do.

    So the pro-RH people weren't "civilized" for wearing a shirt, but Ed Manalang was for shouting? Just asking, since you say nothing against him or his actions.

  38. It seems everyone has missed the issue, or have I?

    The Manila Cathedral is a Sacred space for Roman Catholics in honour of Jesus Christ. The rituals performed within are sacred and should not be disrespected by anyone. It is a place of prayer and serious adoration.
    This holds true in all sacred spaces of all religions. To behave in an inappropriate manner is a real 'NO NO.' under any cultural or civilized standards.
    It is not the issue of the RH bill at all that has caused many to loose respect and credibility, but the choice of venue and behaviour which mocked the all religions and beliefs.
    That is what to me, is the issue.
    Everyone has the right to believe and express their beliefs , be they in line with mine or opposed to mine, but all in its proper venue.
    One catches more flies with honey than with vinegar.

    • [The Manila Cathedral is a Sacred space for Roman Catholics in honour of Jesus Christ. The rituals performed within are sacred and should not be disrespected by anyone. It is a place of prayer and serious adoration.
      This holds true in all sacred spaces of all religions. To behave in an inappropriate manner is a real 'NO NO.' under any cultural or civilized standards. ]

      In short, you'd want us to respect something just because it's everybody' sacred cow. We don't.

      [Everyone has the right to believe and express their beliefs , be they in line with mine or opposed to mine, but all in its proper venue. ]

      You have a right to belief. However, imho, if said belief causes one to become bigoted and mandates harm towards others, expect it to be called out as bullshit.
      http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101111/wl_sthasia_a…

    • [The Manila Cathedral is a Sacred space for Roman Catholics in honour of Jesus Christ. The rituals performed within are sacred and should not be disrespected by anyone. It is a place of prayer and serious adoration.]

      To compare the church to other forms of religions is ridiculous. Other forms of worship range from the sometimes extreme and rigid laws (Muslims) to very liberal (Wicca), but what they can or can't do is very specified. Nothing in church rules say they can't wear this to church. I've seen people in mass wearing some of the more offensive Spoof shirts and they'd never been kicked out.

      And please. Do some of these 'sacred rituals' involve texting on phones, too? Seems lots of people are doing this in church nowadays.

    • They didn't go in, Mr Faustmann. I'm too tired to argue right now. So, let me get back to you.

      P.S. "One catches more flies with honey than with vinegar." – What a political thing to say.

      Love&Light.

  40. When Eric Manalang said FF people were wrong to claim they were Catholics, I remembered this quote from Vatican II, Dignitatis Humanae, 1965:

    "All persons have a right to religious liberty, a right with its foundation in the essential dignity of each human being. All persons must be free to seek the truth without coercion. The highest norm of human life is the divine law and truth, but it can only be sought after in the proper and free manner, with the aid of teaching or instruction, communication and dialogue, and it must be adhered to by personal assent."

    But then I guess I am just the devil (Satan) quoting scripture.

    • No my friend… that is what they call in Vatican… "The Devil's Advocate" which is also a good thing coz it checks how they are being over self righteous which is not good also…

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