December 18, 2012 12:01am
While saddened over the passage of the Reproductive Health bill in Congress, Catholic Church officials on Monday night called for prayers for the country and "magnanimity in accepting defeat."
In an article posted Monday night on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site, Quiapo Church rector Msgr. Clemente Ignacio also urged the public not to judge the lawmakers who voted for the RH bill.
"They have their own convictions [and] own views on the issue. We do not know where they are coming from. It only shows that there are many things the Church has to do with regards to this. They are our brothers and sisters even if they are on the other side,” he said.
Ignacio added that the Church will continue to "preach for life" and the sanctity of marriage, and helping the poor.
“The Church will only shift from being reactive to the RH bill to being proactive in teaching our people especially the grass roots, also in being faithful to the Church teachings,” Ignacio said.
Meanwhile, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life chairman and Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes vowed to continue "preaching for life", family values and the "evils" of contraceptives.
"It's a sad day for our country," Reyes said, as he accused Malacañang of pressuring lawmakers to vote in favor of the bill.
In an interview aired on dzBB radio, Reyes also said they may call on some lawyers who may question the RH bill before the Supreme Court.
The Catholic Church has been vocal against the RH bill because of provisions allowing for artificial contraception. The Church favors natural family planning methods.
On Monday evening, the House of Representatives passed the RH bill with a vote of 133 to 79. The Senate also approved the bill, 13 to 8. — DVM, GMA News
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