MANILA, Philippines ? The reproductive health (RH) bill is not the solution in alleviating the country?s woes, boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao, fresh from his successful World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defense against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas, told radio dzMM on Saturday that corruption is a bigger problem than overpopulation.
?Hindi [RH bill] ang solusyon para sa kahirapan. Ang solusyon sa kahirapan ay sugpuin ang korupsyon, dahil ?yan ang talagang pumipinsala at nagpapahirap sa mga tao,? he said.
Pacquiao clarified that his stand to oppose the RH bill was based on his own decision and, more importantly, on his religious beliefs.
?Hindi naman ako pwede mag pro-RH dahil madasalin akong tao. May takot ako sa Panginoon. Ang boss ko kasi ang Panginoon. Ayokong labagin ang kautusan ng Panginoon,? said Pacquiao.
However, Pacquiao said he is open to discussions regarding the RH bill.
?Pwede namang pag-usapan. Kailangan magharap-harap ang pro and anti,? he said.
Pacquiao returned to Manila on Saturday following his successful World Boxing Organization (WBO) title defense last May 7.
After resting for a few hours in a Makati hotel, Pacquiao headed to Quiapo Church to hear Mass. — With a report from dzMM
