Bravo MOCHA USON: Her take on the RH BILL in STYLE

RH BILL 101

I get a lot of questions on my email (mochauson@aol.com), Facebook and Twitter regarding the RH Bill. What is RH Bill? Why do I support it? Would it help solve poverty in the Philippines? Does it promote abortion? Why is the Catholic Church against it?

The Mocha Girls and I are very active in promoting RH Bill for the following reasons:

1. Our country is over-populated. Whenever I see street kids begging for food and money, I wonder where their parents are. What will happen to these kids as they grow up? Who will educate them if their poor and uneducated parents are busy making more babies? The unemployment rate in our country continues to increase and so does criminality.

2. Teenage Pregnancy is increasing. A lot of young high school girls are getting pregnant. She maybe our neighbor or even a relative. When I first published my email (mochauson@aol.com), I received lots of interesting stories. Some were good, hot sexperiences and some were pretty disturbing. A young 15 year old girl emailed me and told me that she’s troubled because her period’s delayed. She told me she just had unprotected sex. They did NOT use protection cuz her boyfriend said that condoms were unpleasurable.

3. Ignorance of the RH BILL. I asked my brother what does he think of the RH Bill. He said he’s anti-RH Bill. I asked him why? “Because our school said so”, he said. My younger brother is studying in UST, my alma mater. Like any other students, he is clueless about the RH Bill. He said that the RH Bill was bad or evil because the priests say so.

Yes, there are many people who are AGAINST RH BILL because of plain IGNORANCE. I will not explain RH BILL like what you see in other blogs. But I will try my best to simplify & summarize the RH BILL for everyone to simply understand it.

What is RH BILL?

RH BILL or REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL summary of provision:

1. SEX EDUCATION is required from grade five to fourth year high school.

Anti-RH BILL supporters say- It is the parents’ responsibility to teach their children about sex education.

I SAY- How can parents teach their children about SEX if they themselves are uneducated. Would you rather be taught about sex by your parents or a professional teacher? In a CLASS D & E society, would you trust the irresponsible parents to teach their children about sex? They can’t even teach them proper hygiene so how would they teach SEX in a very responsible way?

Even if the RH Bill was passed, the parents still have the right to decide whether to allow their child to take Sex Education. At least the government is giving them access to sex education.

2. CONTRACEPTIVES (PILLS , CONDOMS and IUDs)

Anti-RH say – Natural Family Planning is the only acceptable method in God’s Eyes.

I say- Religion is something debatable. Not all Filipinos are Catholic. Educate the people and let them be the one to decide which is moral or not.The Government through Barangays will not only educate the people but the Government will make sure the Contraceptives are available especially to the poor areas. 

3. Although abortion is recognized as illegal and punishable by law, the bill states that, “the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.”

Anti- RH say – RH Bill promotes abortion.

I Say- the “right” use of Contraceptives will PREVENT abortion. “Sinners” , as how the church would call them, should not be condemned. They should be educated and helped so they wouldn’t repeat their mistake.

What pisses me the most is that Anti-RH insists the RH Bill promotes sex. Such hypocrites! Sex exists everywhere! That’s why we need to educate the youth about it. I receive lots of emails about girls being lied to by their boyfriends. Saying that condoms are not cool, not effective and not as fun and can even trigger AIDS/HIV just so they can have unprotected sex! One girl told me that she and her bf are doing the withdrawal method. The guy pulls out his penis from the vagina when he’s about to come. The problem is guys can ejaculate without them even knowing it. Pre-cum or pre-ejaculate is a clear fluid that comes out of male’s penis before they ejaculate. Although it is a small amount the girl can still get pregnant and contract STD’s (sexually transmitted disease) from it. That’s why the withdrawal method is NOT effective. Proper use of CONDOM can prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancy.

Lastly, we should all be alarmed by the increasing incidence of AIDS/HIV in our country. Research say there’s an estimated 11,000 undocumented and unreported HIV and AIDS cases in the country since 2008. The incidence of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines is hidden and growing. Now that’s pretty scary. Did you know that AIDS/HIV symptoms take years (even 10 years!) before they appear? So, if you had unprotected sex 9 years ago, it is still possible for you to have HIV/AIDS now. That’s why I encourage everyone to practice safe sex. Use condom! These facts can only be learned thru Sex Education and not through our parents alone. Only Sex Education experts can provide us with this kind of information. This is what I am fighting for- BE EDUCATED and LIVE FREE!

As I have said, there are more explanations regarding the scope of RH BILL. I don’t claim to be an expert on this. I want you to understand and embrace the RH BILL. Do some research and study the RH BIll. Don’t just believe the PRIESTS. RH Bill not solely the answer to POVERTY in our country. But this one helps a lot. So whether you are a celebrity, an Executive or an ordinary Citizen – it’s time to stand against what the Catholic Church is saying.

Forgive me father, but YOU have sinned. You have been lying to the people. RH Bill is Pro-Life!

MY TAKE:

No, Mocha. You have not sinned, i agree. I also laud you for your bravery and taking a stand. It is really high time that people in showbusiness also impart their take on the issue as Filipinos look up to their idols in the business. They should also be brave enough to speak their minds. CONGRATULATIONS AND KEEP IT UP.

source: mocha.com.ph

AN OPEN LETTER TO AQUINO FOR A COMMITMENT TO END IMPUNITY MISSING IN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL PLEDGES

H.E. Benigno Aquino III

President, Republic of the Philippines

Malacañang Palace

J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel

Manila, NCR, 1005

Philippines 

Subject: Commitment to end impunity missing in Human Rights Council pledges

Your Excellency, 

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) regret that the culture of impunity for serious human rights abuses and the Philippine government’s commitment to end it is missing in the country’s voluntary pledges and commitments submitted for its bid for re-election to the UN Human Rights Council [1]. 

As we approach the one year mark of your first term as president, your promise to seek justice for victims of extra-judicial killings and to “hold murderers accountable”, contained in your first State of the Nation Address, has become a distant memory. The Filipino people and the international community have seen little substantive progress in the pursuit for justice and accountability to back up those words. Since assuming office, there was no public statement or declaration committing to sign and implement the national human rights action plan or any other policy that would promote and mainstream human rights in the your administration. 

With the re-election of the Philippines to the Human Rights Council on 20 May, your administration must demonstrate strong political will and take the necessary steps to end a persistent culture of impunity and to bring perpetrators of serious abuses to justice. This is particularly applicable to those affiliated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

In the voluntary pledges and commitments, your government promised to “enhance domestic implementation of all human rights treaty obligations and programmes.” However, serious human rights abuses continue to occur, in a context of on-going impunity. Abuses in recent months include the assassinations of Mr Gerardo Ortega, journalist and environmental rights defender in Palawan Island, and Mr. Bonifacio Labasan, who had defended farmers’ rights in Isabela Province. Local rights groups have documented as many as 40 extra-judicial killings since the advent of your administration, some of which have been linked to members of the AFP. 

In December 2010, the AFP released its Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP). The IPSP clearly stated that it is the AFP’s ‘strategic imperative’ to adhere to human rights, international humanitarian law and the rule of law. The AFP promised it “shall ensure the prosecution of all AFP personnel found guilty of violating HR, IHL, and other pertinent laws.” [2]. However, due to lack of explicit authoritative orders from the Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief of the AFP, and the absence of due diligence of the Human Rights Offices of both the PNP and AFP, the statements of adherence to the primacy of human rights, unless immediately substantiated by concrete steps to break impunity, could just be perceived as mere propaganda, erode whatever gains that have been made, and undermine the credibility of and public trust in state institutions. 

We are further appalled at House Resolution 1135 before the Philippine Congress, authored by Congressman Salvador Escudero, which proposed that former President Ferdinand Marcos be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery for Heroes). The resolution reportedly has the support of 215 congressional representatives. The scale and scope of human rights abuses under Marcos’s rule are immense and well documented. To bestow the status of hero on Marcos would be a grave insult and betrayal to the thousands of individuals and their families who were victims under his authoritarian rule. 

In light of the persistent failures in key areas of human rights protection, and regarding the fact that any member of the Human Rights Council should uphold the highest standards human rights standards, our organisations have the following general recommendations for your administration: 

* Conduct prompt, impartial and independent investigations into all allegations of human rights abuses implicating members of state actors, including the AFP and PNP; 

* Further strengthen and provide efficient and adequate witness protection in all cases, especially in key ones with the high likelihood of breaking impunity; 

* Publicly oppose House Resolution 1135; 

* Issue a standing invitation to all UN special procedures to conduct country visits, including the Special Rapporteurs on Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; on human rights defenders; and on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; 

* Take the necessary measures to fully and effectively implement all the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; 

* Encourage the Senate to immediately ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and consider signing and ratifying additional human rights instruments, including the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 

Thank you in advance for your serious consideration of our concerns and recommendations. 

Sincerely yours, 

Souhayr Belhassen

FIDH President 

Max de Mesa

PAHRA Chairperson 

Copies to: 

Hon. Albert del Rosario

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs 

Hon. Leila De Lima

Secretary of Justice 

Justice Renato C. Corona

Chief Justice

Supreme Court 

Hon. Juan Ponce Enrile

Senate President

Philippine Senate 

Hon. Feliciano Belmonte

Speaker of the House

House of Representatives 

Hon. Loretta Ann Rosales

Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines 

H.E. Erlinda F. Basilio

Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva 

Press contacts: 

Arthur Manet : +33 1 43 55 90 19 / +33 6 72 28 42 94 

Karine Appy: +33 1 43 55 14 12 / +33 6 48 05 91 57

MY STAND ON THE RH BILL- FATHER JOAQUIN BERNAS

FR JOAQUIN BERNAS, SJ

Philippine Daily Inquirer

1:49 am | Monday, May 23rd, 2011

I HAVE been following the debates on the RH Bill not just in the recent House sessions but practically since its start. In the process, because of what I have said and written (where I have not joined the attack dogs against the RH Bill), I have been called a Judas by a high-ranking cleric, I am considered a heretic in a wealthy barangay where some members have urged that I should leave the Church (which is insane), and one of those who regularly hears my Mass in the Ateneo Chapel in Rockwell came to me disturbed by my position. I feel therefore that I owe some explanation to those who listen to me or read my writings.

First, let me start by saying that I adhere to the teaching of the Church on artificial contraception even if I am aware that the teaching on the subject is not considered infallible doctrine by those who know more theology than I do. Moreover, I am still considered a Catholic and Jesuit in good standing by my superiors, critics notwithstanding!

Second (very important for me as a student of the Constitution and of church-state relations), I am very much aware of the fact that we live in a pluralist society where various religious groups have differing beliefs about the morality of artificial contraception. But freedom of religion means more than just the freedom to believe. It also means the freedom to act or not to act according to what one believes. Hence, the state should not prevent people from practicing responsible parenthood according to their religious belief nor may churchmen compel President Aquino, by whatever means, to prevent people from acting according to their religious belief. As the “Compendium on the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church” says, “Because of its historical and cultural ties to a nation, a religious community might be given special recognition on the part of the State. Such recognition must in no way create discrimination within the civil or social order for other religious groups” and “Those responsible for government are required to interpret the common good of their country not only according to the guidelines of the majority but also according to the effective good of all the members of the community, including the minority.”

Third, I am dismayed by preachers telling parishioners that support for the RH Bill ipso facto is a serious sin or merits excommunication! I find this to be irresponsible.

Fourth, I have never held that the RH Bill is perfect. But if we have to have an RH law, I intend to contribute to its improvement as much as I can. Because of this, I and a number of my colleagues have offered ways of improving it and specifying areas that can be the subject of intelligent discussion. (Yes, there are intelligent people in our country.) For that purpose we jointly prepared and I published in my column what we called “talking points” on the bill.

Fifth, specifically I advocate removal of the provision on mandatory sexual education in public schools without the consent of parents. (I assume that those who send their children to Catholic schools accept the program of Catholic schools on the subject.) My reason for requiring the consent of parents is, among others, the constitutional provision which recognizes the sanctity of the human family and “the natural and primary right of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character.” (Article II, Section 12)

Sixth, I am pleased that the bill reiterates the prohibition of abortion as an assault against the right to life. Abortifacient pills and devices, if there are any in the market, should be banned by the Food and Drug Administration. But whether or not there are such is a question of scientific fact of which I am no judge.

Seventh, I hold that there already is abortion any time a fertilized ovum is expelled. The Constitution commands that the life of the unborn be protected “from conception.” For me this means that sacred life begins at fertilization and not at implantation.

Eighth, it has already been pointed out that the obligation of employers with regard to the sexual and reproductive health of employees is already dealt with in the Labor Code. If the provision needs improvement or nuancing, let it be done through an examination of the Labor Code provision.

Ninth, there are many valuable points in the bill’s Declaration of Policy and Guiding Principles which can serve the welfare of the nation and especially of poor women who cannot afford the cost of medical service. There are specific provisions which give substance to these good points. They should be saved.

Tenth, I hold that public money may be spent for the promotion of reproductive health in ways that do not violate the Constitution. Public money is neither Catholic, nor Protestant, nor Muslim or what have you and may be appropriated by Congress for the public good without violating the Constitution.

Eleventh, I leave the debate on population control to sociologists.

Finally, I am happy that the CBCP has disowned the self-destructive views of some clerics.

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Message from UNAIDS Executive Director Mr. Michel Sidibé

GENEVA, 17 May 2011—The world is faced with stigma and discrimination that can lead to violence and block the AIDS response. This impacts the lives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people.

The AIDS response has shown that when people are stigmatized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they are less likely to access the HIV services they need. This leads to new HIV infections and AIDS deaths.

We must replace violence and discrimination with acceptance and tolerance.

I call on governments to create social and legal environments that ensure respect for human rights and universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Uganda: Stop the "Kill the Gays" Law Now. SIGN THE PETITION

UPDATE: 200,000 around the world have already signed this urgent call. Add your voice now to keep up the pressure! 

Can you please sign and share this petition demanding that Ugandan President Museveni stop the human rights violations by publicly vowing to veto the "Kill the Gays" bill? 

In the next 48 hours, conservative lawmakers could move a bill that would make being LGBT in Uganda a crime punishable by death. 

This hateful bill is part of a pattern of the Ugandan government's violent repression of pro-democracy forces within the country - and time is running out to stop it.

Ugandan President Museveni must vow to veto the "Kill the Gays" Bill

President Yoweri Museveni: 

The world is united with human rights activists in Uganda, in asking that you publicly declare your intention to veto the "Anti-Homosexuality" bill. 

Don't let this law, and the worsening human rights situation in the country, make Uganda in to a pariah nation in the international community.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE!