Clergy must not campaign against RH Bill

(March 13, 2013) In the Philippines, a senator has called on Catholic bishops and priests not to use the pulpit for "one-sided, one-issue" campaigns against politicians who supported the passing of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. The warning comes as the nation gears up for mid-term elections in May. "We respect the bishops' position, but they should not use the pulpit to endorse or campaign against candidates based on their stand on the law," said Senator Chiz Escudero. He made the call as a Church-based group in Cebu archdiocese launched a campaign on Monday against candidates who supported the recent passage of the law that will allow free distribution of artificial contraceptives to poor families. The RH Bill, which was passed late last year, is set to be implemented by the end of March, after consultations are held over implementing rules and regulations.