MANILA, DECEMBER 21, 2009—Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, lead Convenor of the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP) held last December 17, has called for “inter-generational justice” urging a stronger global and Philippine response to the challenge of climate change.

Quoting the Vatican’s latest encyclical ‘Caritas en Veritate’, Ledesma told a multi-sectoral dialogue on climate change governance that the Church is seeking a pro-poor solution to the varied environmental and socio-economic problems facing the country.

The multi-sectoral dialogue, with representatives from a cross section of society was held at the University of the Philippines’ School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR) in Diliman.

Among the pressing issues tackled were the concerns of the urban poor, who decried some of the unjust responses of government to the climate change such as the large-scale demolition of urban poor dwellings without any comprehensive program of job creation and housing relocation.

The farm sector groups also voiced their fears about declining harvests due to changing climate patterns and increasing occurrence of droughts, floods and land slides. The dialogue also highlighted the need for asset reform, particularly the fuller implementation of agrarian reform and the transformation of small farmers into modern “ecological agribusiness warriors”.

For their part, representatives from the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DAR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Presidential Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP) shared the varied policy initiatives in mitigating the adverse impact of climate change.

Senator Nene Pimentel and Congressman Leonardo Montemayor backed up the need for greater social spending in support of asset reform, job creation and climate-resistant farming.

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Cited from an original article by Bel Formanes for cbcpnews.com last 12/21/09

MANILA, December 9, 2009—“Family and Life issues will be a major consideration in choosing public officials in the coming 2010 elections and this will be an opportune time to bring public awareness to the moral dimensions of the electoral issues,” this was part of the resolution formulated during the recently-concluded First National Conference of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

With its appropriate working theme “The Family Serving the Church and Society”, the conference was held from November 30 to December 3, 2009 at the St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City.

Commission on Family and Life Chairman and San Fernando (de Pampanga) archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto, expressed satisfaction that the Family and Life Directors and members resolved to pursue a more active education campaign to promote family values.

He assured the members that the ECFL would issue guidelines to clarify the family and life issues involved in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking to the participants, he underscored the importance of the family as the foundation of society. He remarked in his closing homily, “Just as the house that was built on rock could withstand the wind and rain, so must the family remain firmly founded on God. The family is the foundation of society and if this foundation is weak, then society itself will be weak.”

Fr. Melvin Castro, CBCP-ECFL executive secretary said the conference was convened in order to establish common core knowledge of family and life issues among the Directors and members of the Family and Life Ministry in the parishes.

The increasing concern about anti-family legislation in Congress prompted the ECFL to convene its members and make them aware of the issues affecting family and life.

The issues discussed in the conference were: World Population Collapse and the Lessons for the Philippines; Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality; New Age as a Spirituality of Knowledge and Experience; The Gospel of Life and Reproductive Health; The Effects of Pornography and Entertainment Violence on the Family; The Hidden Dangers of Sex Education; and The Family in God’s Plan.

These topics compose the SAFE (Subtle Attacks against the Family Explained) seminar that the ECFL has adopted as its regular education program.

“In addition, topics on Home and School Partnership and the Moral Dimensions of the 2010 Elections were discussed to help the Family and Life members engage educators and legislators to uphold the values of marriage and family,” he said.

The national conference was attended by 146 participants from 47 dioceses nationwide. Castro noted that this was 50% of all the dioceses and archdioceses in the country, thus ensuring a good representation of the members of the Commission. The participants were the Family and Life Directors of the parishes and their lay collaborators.

The participants received a message from the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI through Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican Secretary of State.

The Holy Father conveyed his spiritual closeness with the conference delegates and assured them of his prayers and blessing in order that they may carefully discern the challenges that face married couples and families and elaborate new strategies for helping them live their vocation with joy and fidelity.

This was the first time that the ECFL held a national conference. Participants asked for a regular gathering in order to be updated on the family and life issues and be able to formulate plans among themselves, prompting the ECFL to institute the National Conference as an annual activity.

Castro announced at the closing that the 2010 conference would be on Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 2010 at the same venue, the St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City.

Incidentally, the reported release of the Commission’s “Catechism (Guidelines) for Filipino Voters” did not push through as the original materials were submitted to CBCP President and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar for his imprimatur.

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Cited from an original article by Melo M. Acuña for cbcpnews.com last 12/09/09

MANILA, December 1, 2009— AFTER the macabre killings of 57 people in Maguindanao, discussions of restoring death penalty as capital punishment had Catholic bishops raising eyebrows on the possibility of the said measure.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said that no society has the right to take life and that “if a criminal needs to be jailed, so be it.”

“But let’s not take away his right to live. Life is a gift from God which has to be respected,” Ongtioco said.

Retired Bishop Teodoro Bacani said he understands the sentiment of the people but reminded them “not to be carried away by their emotions”.

“The death penalty should not be used in most cases because it doesn’t solve the case any better,” Bacani said.

The death penalty law was abolished in June 24, 2006 by President Arroyo after it was revived by the Ramos administration in 1994.

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Cited from an original article from cbcpnews.com last 12/01/09

MANILA, November 23, 2009—THE House of Representatives recently ratified House Bill 6440 (HB 6440) criminalizing child pornography and penalizing guilty offenders thereof.

Tarlac Rep. Monica Louise Prieto-Teodoro, an author of the bill, said the measure prohibits the hiring, employment, inducement or coercion of a child to perform in the creation or production of any form of child pornography.

The bill covers all forms of media including the Internet for it defines child pornography as one that refers to any representation, whether visual, audio or written combination thereof, by electronic, mechanical, digital, optical, magnetic or any other means, of a child engaged or involved in real or simulated explicit sexual activities.

HB 6440 likewise bans the possession of any form of child pornography with the intent to sell, distribute, publish or broadcast the same.

The measure also prohibits an Internet host from posting any form of child pornography on its Internet address. An Internet host faces a jail term of 14 to 17 years and a fine of not more than P1 million if found guilty of violating the proposed Act.

The proposed act requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to report to the National Bureau of investigation (NBI) within seven days from obtaining facts that any form of child pornography is being committed using its server or facility.

Teodoro said violators face 17 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of P1 to P2 million. In the case of syndicated child pornography, three or more persons conspiring or confederating with one another face a jail term of 30 years and a fine of P2 to P5 million.

Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio (1st District, South Cotabato), one of the principal authors of, said the Senate has also ratified the counterpart measure, Senate Bill 2317. It was set to be transmitted to Malacañang for signing by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Co-authors of the bill include Reps. Rene M. Velarde (PL-BUHAY), Ignacio T. Arroyo (5th District, Negros Occidental), Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro), Narciso D. Santiago III (PL-ARC), and Matias V. Defensor Jr. (3rd District, Quezon City).
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Cited from an original article by Abigail Modino, MRS-PRIB for congress.gov.ph last 11/23/09

AMAS, NORTH COTABATO, November 17, 2009—FOR HIS outstanding pro-people policies and plausible contributions in the province of North Cotabato, pro-life Governor Jesus N. Sacdalan received laurels and praises from his constituents who even call for his re-election in the gubernatorial position come 2010.

Sacdalan obtained the nod of the Roman Catholic Church after declaring North Cotabato as “pro-life province.”

It can be recalled that part of the said declaration, the governor consigned to launch activities involving health workers of both the government and the church promoting responsible parenthood and natural family planning.
Aside from his pro-life thrusts, Sacdalan’s effort to bridge gaps between the Moro groups and the local government is highly noted and was even commended by peace advocates and groups especially in view of ending the age-old problem of rebellion in Mindanao.

“We are supporting moves that aim to build peace especially through consultations. We are pro-peace and pro-dialogue,” said Sacdalan.

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Cited from an original article by Mark S. Ventura for cbcpnews.com 11/17/09

MANILA, November 20, 2009— INITIATED by the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL), a set of guidelines for Catholic voters on how to choose their candidates will be released by the clergy in preparation for the 2010 elections.

Fr. Melvin Castro, ECFL executive secretary, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that the voters, especially the young ones, would choose the right candidates who will lead the nation

“We believe it is necessary for our voters to be guided by the Church through the Commission on Family and Life,” Fr. Castro said.

Fr. Castro said the “catechism for Catholic electorate” will also deal specifically on the controversial Reproductive Health bill in Congress.
The said guidelines will be launched during national gathering of the ECFL’s directors and lay coordinators on Nov.30 at the St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City.

This year’s national conference with an appropriate theme “The Family Serving the Church and Society,” will end on Dec. 3.

Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes is set to lead the opening liturgy.
ECFL chairman and San Fernando Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto said he expects most ecclesial provinces will be represented in their national convention.

The Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams is also expected to address the delegates.

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Cited from an original article by Melo M. Acuna for cbcpnews.com last 11/20/09

MANILA, November 22, 2009—IN PURSUIT of discerning the value of family and life programs, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (CBCP-ECFL) is set to hold a national conference on November 30 to December 3, 2009 at the St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City.

This year’s theme is “The Family Serving the Church and Society.”

According to Fr. Melvin Castro, Executive Secretary of ECFL, this year’s theme “The Family Serving the Church and Society ”is a “response to the growing need to promote and protect the family today, not only as the Domestic Church but also as the Basic Unit of Society.”

“In spite of the fact that 80% of the Philippine population is Catholic, attendance at Sunday Mass is on the decline, families are breaking down, corruption and immorality abound in high and low places,” Fr. Castro added.
Castro also stated that the core of the growing weakness of the Filipino family is their inability to be effective witnesses of their Christian faith in their public and private lives.

One of the primary matters to be discussed during the conference is the Subtle Attacks against the Family Explained (SAFE) module which intends to fortify the dioceses’ existing family and life programs as well as its relative organizations.

Through formation and caring programs, the Family and Life Ministry has become the most vital arm of the Catholic Church to address the diverse family issues and problems.

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Cited from an original article by Kate Laceda for cbcpnews.com last 11/22/09

Addressed to the members of the Congress of the Philippines

We strongly oppose the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill (HB5043 for the following reasons:

1. AS EMPLOYERS, we do not want to be compelled to provide free reproductive health care services, supplies, devices and surgical procedures (including vasectomy and ligation) to our employees, and be subjected to both imprisonment and/or a fine, for every time that we fail to comply. (Section 17 states that employers shall provide for free delivery of reproductive health care services, supplies and devices to all workers more particularly women workers. (Definition of Reproductive Health and Rights Section 4, paragraph g, Section 21, Paragraph c and Section 22 on Penalties)

2. AS HEALTH CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS, we do not want to be subjected to imprisonment and/or a fine, if we fail to provide reproductive health care services such as giving information on family planning methods and providing services like ligation and vasectomy, regardless of the patient’s civil status, gender, religion or age (Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraphs 1 to 5 and Section 22 on Penalties)

3. AS SPOUSES, we do not agree that our husband or wife can undergo a ligation or vasectomy without our consent or knowledge. (Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Letter a, Paragraph 2)

4. AS PARENTS, we do not agree that children from age 10 to 17 should be taught their sexual rights and the means to have a satisfying and “safe” sex life as part of their school curriculum. (Section 12 on Reproductive Health Education and Section 4 Definition of Family Planning and Productive Health, Paragraph b, c and d)

5. AS CITIZENS, we do not want to be subjected to imprisonment and/or pay a fine, for expressing an opinion against any provision of this law, if such expression of opinion  is interpreted as constituting “malicious disinformation” (Section 21 on Prohibited Acts, Paragraph f and Section 22 on Penalties)

6. We also oppose other provisions such as losing our parental authority over a minor child who was raped and found pregnant (Section 21, a, no.3)

7. We also do not agree to the provision which reclassifies contraceptives as essential medicines (Section 10) and appropriating limited government funds to reproductive services instead of basic services (Section 23)

Thus, we urge you to immediately stop deliberations on the bill and stop wasting taxpayers money.

MANILA, OCT. 24, 2009—ONLY Ang Kapatiran standard bearer John Carlos (JC) de los Reyes contested the inclusion of artificial contraceptives in family planning schemes.

During a leaders’ forum at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City, De los Reyes said he is against the Reproductive Health Bill, which according to the legislation’s proponents will address the issue of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, malnutrition, unemployment and poverty.

“Being a Catholic faithful, I have to be at the forefront in the fight for life,” said De los Reyes, a low-key councilor and a member of the Gordon clan in Olongapo City.

The three-hour forum was organized to also know the platform and position of presidential aspirants on reproductive health, sex education and other issues. Aside from De los Reyes, the other presidential aspirants include former president Joseph Estrada, Senators Richard Gordon and Francis Escudero, and environment activist Nicolas Perlas.

The five discussed their priorities should they win the government’s highest position in 2010.

Of the five presidential aspirants, only Estrada was fully supportive of the RH bill, and De los Reyes was the sole guest who was totally against it.

“I am against abortion in all cases and the use of birth control pills and condoms even among married couples,” De los Reyes said.

The three others—Gordon, Escudero, and Perlas—expressed reservations on some provisions of the controversial measure.

Organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and the United Nations Development Program, the forum ended with the five aspirants assuring support for the achievement of the MDGs by 2015.

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Cited from an original article by Roy Lagarde for cbcpnews.com last 10/24/09

THE gospel in today’s celebration of Prison Awareness Sunday reminds us that Christ brings light to those who are in the dark. Jesus brought light in the life of Bartimeus when He made him see. We who are called to follow Christ are also asked to bring that same light wherever there is darkness.

There is darkness when there is no freedom, when you’re abandoned and separated from your loved ones, when you are suffering from loneliness, fears, condemnation and injustices. It is this kind of darkness that the prisoners and the victims of crimes are suffering from. The prisoners need to see light, the victims need to be in the light and the community needs to see their role as light bearers—the same light that Christ brought to Bartimeus and to us.

Bartimeus came to Jesus and asked that he may see. Because of his faith Jesus gave him what he was asking for. With the same faith, we can come to Jesus and ask for the graces that we need especially for our brothers and sisters who have been hurt by crime.

To make our observance of the Prison Awareness Sunday, let us then invoke God:

* That the Church through its faithfulness to the gospel values may continue to bring the light of Christ to the world that is in darkness because of the proliferation of materialistic and distorted values.

* That the leaders of our nation through their selfless and competent leadership may bring light to a nation that is in darkness because of corruption, poverty and division.

* That the families and friends of the prisoners and victims of crime that their understanding, forgiveness and love may bring healing and reconciliation to those who are in darkness because of loneliness and separation.

* That the members of the custodial force and correctional employees through their commitment to serve and help in the restoration of the prisoners may bring light to our brothers and sisters who are in darkness.

* That the prisoners and the victims may be a source of the light of Christ to each other as they work together to build Christian communities among themselves and promote justice that heals.

* That those who are actively involved in prison ministry may continue to bring light in the life of the prisoners and the victims through their steadfast commitment to serve the prison society.

* That we link arms together with Christ and be a caring church responding to those who have been hurt by crime and help build Christian communities in our society and like Christ be an instrument of healing, reconciliation and the new life.

+MOST RE V. PEDRO D. AR IGO, DD
Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Princesa
Chair, Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care
October 25, 2009

Credits:
Cited from cbcponline.net last 10/25/09