Manila, Philippines, Jul 31, 2008 / 01:19 am
Following opposition from Catholic laity and prelates, several representatives to the Philippines Congress have withdrawn their support for a pending population policy bill that recommends implementing a “two child” policy and funding sterilizations and the distribution of contraceptives.
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Madrona on Wednesday phoned Jose Corazon Talaoc, the Bishop of Romblon, to say he is backing out of the proposal, CBCP News reports.
Bishop Talaoc reacted by saying, “I am celebrating my fifth episcopal anniversary now so I think this is the best gift for me ever.”
“Rest assured that I will be backing out of the bill and I will always support the stand of the Church,” the bishop reported Madrona as saying. He also reported that he legislator will release a letter formally withdrawing his support.