Philippine Daily Inquirer: Aquino bucks Church, backs birth control,
CBCP ‘hurt more than disappointed’
President Benigno Aquino III served notice he may give assistance toFilipino couples needing contraceptives if that is what they want,instantly provoking a Catholic Church leader to accuse him of “sellingout the Filipino soul” for American dollars.
Speaking in a satellite television interview on Sunday (Monday inManila) with members of Filipino communities around the world, Mr.Aquino stressed the number of children a couple had was a matter ofpersonal choice.
“I think the government is obligated toinform everybody of the responsibilities of their choices. At the endof the day, government might provide assistance to those who arewithout means if they want to employ a particular method,” Mr. Aquinosaid at a town hall meeting with Filipino expatriates here.
“But after saying that, I will not embark on a situation that forcescouples to go one way or another,” he added, leaving to couples thechoice of birth control method they want to use.
Added by: 09/27/10