Philippines marks day for the unborn

(March 26, 2011) The international celebration of the Day for Life or the Day of the Unborn Child took on a particular meaning in the Philippines on Friday feast of the Annunciation, as the country continues to debate controversial legislation on birth control and family planning. Cardinal Gaudencio Borbon Rosales, archbishop of Manila, celebrated a Mass at a rally at the Luneta, which attracted hundreds of thousands of Catholics. Shortly before the event, legislators withdrew several provisions of the controversial reproductive health bill known as “RH”bill, including a measure to encourage limiting families to two children. In a recent letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Manila, Cardinal Rosales said the prayer rally was for all those who value life, family and life values. He said the message to be delivered is that "our country will never allow the repressive RH Bill to be passed.” It is important, the cardinal stated, that the legislation be exposed “for what it truly is." He added that there must be promotion of "the values and self-discipline that families and the young need."