Interceding versus the RH bill

From the Facebook page of Pro-Life Philippines comes this document, the second declaration of the Intercessors for the Philippines versus the RH bill. The first was in August (see Three Evangelical / Protestant groups versus the RH bill ): 

A MANIFESTO:

INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES’ (IFP) STAND ON THE RH BILL

WHEREAS, pending in the Senate and House of Representatives are two measures that aim to formulate a national policy on responsible parenthood, reproductive rights and health and population and development, popularly known as the “RH Bill”;

WHEREAS, INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC. (IFP) understands and respects the policy objective of the RH Bill that the State must recognize, guarantee and promote the human rights of all persons, the right to sustainable human development, the right to health, which include reproductive health, the right to education and information with respect to these matters, and the right to choose and make decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious convictions, ethical and cultural beliefs in carrying out the demands of responsible parenthood;

WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines has clearly established fundamental principles regarding the recognition, protection of the sanctity and inviolability of family life as a basic social institution, the sacredness of human life including the life of the unborn from conception, the natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of children for civic efficiency and the development of moral character and the equality of a woman and man before the law; 

WHEREAS, enshrined in these basic constitutional principles are tenets, values and teachings in the Holy Bible that serve as vital parameters and compelling guideposts towards promoting and pursuing the aforestated policy objectives, which Bangon Pilipinas Party asserts should be faithfully and reverently read through in all the provisions of and constitute the framework upon which the RH Bill should be anchored;

WHEREAS, INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC. (IFP) unequivocally upholds the aforestated constitutional principles and its biblical basis and condemns the killing of the life of the unborn, the promotion of immorality, the weakening of the institution of marriage, and the derogation of the natural and primary parental rights and duties in the rearing of children for civic efficiency and moral development;

WHEREAS, it is imperative that the RH Bill must conform to the spirit and letter of these fundamental principles, which embody the religious heritage of the Filipino in order to protect and promote the welfare of the people under the rule of law, and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace;

WHEREFORE, after diligent study and prayerful deliberation while imploring the aid of Almighty God for guidance and wisdom, INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC. (IFP) hereby respectfully submits to the Government and the Filipino people this Manifesto. 

INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC. (IFP) declares its position regarding the RH Bill, and affirms its commitment to the principles and policies of the Constitution adopting and preserving sacred Biblical tenets, values and teachings, as follows: 

a. Life begins at conception, that is upon fertilization of the sperm and the egg;

b. Life of the unborn at conception must be protected by the State as guaranteed by the Constitution;

c. Any attempt to intercept or prevent the viability of the fertilized egg by any drug or device as by preventing its implantation in the uterus of the mother violates the Constitution;

d. We reject and condemn all forms of killing, abortion and the use of abortifacients and other similar drugs or devices;

e. Teaching children sex is naturally and primarily vested on the parents and it is not in keeping with these constitutional principles for the State to teach the subject to young children within the Grade 5 Level age group. Sexuality education to be supported by the State should be in the context of marriage, and should begin at the natural age of puberty which is by High School;

f. Gender equality as guaranteed by the Constitution refers to equality of woman and man as ordained in our laws consistently with biblical tenets, values and teachings and marriage should remain between a husband and a wife;

g. The exercise of faith and freedom of conscience must not be proscribed. Freedom of religion and expression is protected by the Constitution, including the right to criticize any law in a manner that would not undermine, deprive, impair or otherwise unduly interfere with the rights and duties of others;

h. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in rearing children according to their religious beliefs, ethical and cultural orientations is guaranteed by the Constitution and that all forms of threat or endangerment in carrying out this right and duty must be assiduously safeguarded.

i. The right to life of those already born is not different from the right to life of the unborn, which require equal protection under the law. Furthermore, it is not a right to merely survive or exist but involves guarantees by the State as to the quality of life itself.

j. Church or religious teachings set the high standards for our society’s moral and ethical values. These include, among other things, love and respect for God and fellowman, the sacredness and value of human life, the sanctity of marriage and family and the natural and primary right and duty of parents in rearing the child, which should be safeguarded from any threat or danger with the full support of government. 

THEREFORE, INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC. (IFP) respectfully implores Government, particularly the President and the members of the Legislature, to uphold and defend the foregoing fundamental principles, values and tenets in and during the deliberation of the RH Bill, with prayer for Almighty God’s most merciful and abundant blessings upon our land and its people. 

INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC.

BY:

BISHOP DANIEL A. BALAIS

NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

INTERCESSORS FOR THE PHILIPPINES INC. (IFP)