Sex and Religion in Manila

The Day Of The Unborn

Like a horror movie, thousands of zombies and clueless puppets marched to Quirino Grandstand last March 25 to attend the first culmination activity of CBCP's (lack of) brain-child, aptly named, "The Day Of The Unborn". (enter scream and horror music here)

As thousands wandered at the stadium, hearing words like "Abortion!" and other words and sins (all of which have NOTHING to do with the RH Bill but then we all know that CBCP has its way of connecting completely unrelated immoralities with it) that would surely send a person to the deepest pits of hell, millions of other Filipinos ponder on the unfairness and ridiculousness of it all.

Battling a century-old religious institution (with billions of followers around the globe) in promoting safer sex and reproductive health is probably one of the most daunting task that RH Bill supporters have to face. But it is a challenge that has to be done in order to save the increasing population of our country and the diminishing quality of life of our fellow citizens. It is not a one-shot solution to poverty, but it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Honestly, would you rather worry about those who are not yet born rather than those who are already in the world and are living a miserable existence?

Sex and Religion in Manila

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declares: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. (Article II, Section 6), and, No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights. (Article III, Section 5).

Having stumbled upon this documentary on YouTube, I think it mirrors quite well how politics and religion clash here in our nation. The Constitution clearly states that there should be a separation of church and state. Yes, there is supposed to be the free exercise of any religious profession and worship, however, there is nothing stated that a religious institution can pressure government officials to, let's say, pass a barangay ordinance prohibiting the sale of condoms and other contraceptives without the prescription of a doctor.

I do believe that one can love and worship God without turning a blind eye on reality. Being religious doesn't mean one has to follow blindly to the teachings of one's church. We all have a mind of our own and using it is certainly not a sin.

I am not saying the the teachings of the current Roman Catholic Church about the RH Bill is nothing but twisted truths and half lies. (Well, personally, I think it is but I'll let you decide for yourself.) All I plead is that people do their research and understand fully what they are fighting about before taking a side. At the least, it will save time and face when debating about the bill on the world wide web of contradicting opinions, both informed and otherwise.