Bacolod diocese gets the support of local pro-lifers

Comelec has questioned the use of tarpaulins in the diocese’s campaign to vote against “Team Patay,” or legislators who support the RH law and choose instead “Team Buhay,” or those who oppose the law Cebu-based pro-life advocates recently launched the Red Ribbon campaign, which is aimed at intensifying information dissemination on principles on preservation of life, family and marriage

PRO-LIFE advocates in the Bacolod diocese have the support of their counterpart in Cebu in their campaign against legislators who support the reproductive health (RH) law.

“Yes, the only thing wrong is their oversized tarpaulins,” said Human Life International country director Dr. Rene Bullecer. “And that it was spearheaded by the lay (leaders) and not the bishop.”

Bullecer was referring to the campaign to vote against “Team Patay,” or legislators who support the RH law, and to choose “Team Buhay,” or those who oppose the law.

RA 10354

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has questioned the use of the tarpaulins but Bacolod pro-life advocates remain adamant on their stand.

Republic Act 10354, or “The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012,” was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III last December.

Bishops and lay Catholic leaders opposed the passage of the bill for more than 10 years, citing that it contains provisions that are contrary to church doctrine, such as the distribution of artificial contraceptives, implementation of an adolescent reproductive health program and penalties against those who do not abide by the provisions.

Objective

Cebu-based pro-life advocates recently launched the Red Ribbon campaign, which is aimed at intensifying information dissemination on principles on the preservation of life, family and marriage.

The objective of the campaign was to distribute red ribbons, a symbol for life, in schools and parishes as a way to disseminate the Catholic faith, value and dignity of life.

In an earlier interview, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said lay initiative in promoting pro-life advocacy.

However, he said a political candidate’s pro-life stand is only one aspect of governance that should be reviewed by a voter.