Manila, Philippines, Nov 27, 2012 / 01:54 am
The Catholic clergy in the Philippines are strongly campaigning against political candidates who back a controversial "reproductive health" bill, helping stall its progress because politicians fear a backlash from Catholic voters.
Bishop Arturo Bastes of the Sorsogon diocese has instructed his priests about a campaign to inform the laity about candidates' position on the bill, CBCP News reports.
"This is an important issue and this is a very good test whether the Philippines is a Catholic country or not," the bishop told the Archdiocese of Manila's Radio Veritas. "I hope even those who are not Catholics who believe in the sacredness of life will not vote (for) the politicians pushing for the RH bill."
The legislation would mandate sex education in schools and subsidize contraceptives as part of a population control program.