MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III and Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao met Friday afternoon in Malacanang and discussed the Reproductive Health bill.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Pacquiao paid Aquino a visit at the Palace and presented to the President the yellow gloves he wore in his victorious title defense against Shane Mosley.
Valte said Pacquiao, who was accompanied by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, also presented to the President a yellow autographed T-shirt and a gray hoodie sweat shirt signed by the boxing champ.
In return, the President gave a small token to the congressman.
Valte said the meeting between the two lasted for more than an hour.
“The President brought up the issue (RH bill),” the Palace spokesperson told reporters.
During the meeting, Valte said that Aquino explained to Pacquiao his position in the highly-controversial contraceptive bill which is being heavily debated upon at the House of Representatives.
Valte said that Pacquiao assured that he understands President Aquino’s stand on the issue, but clarified that Malacanang is not expecting the boxing icon to change sides in the RH bill debate.
Pacquiao had said that he believes the Philippines does not need to have a legislated RH program, which promotes both the natural and artificial methods of family planning.
The President had repeatedly stated his five-point position on responsible parenthood. He said:
1. I am against abortion.
2. I am in favor of giving couples the right to choose how best to manage their families so that in the end, their welfare and that of their children are best served.
3. The State must respect each individual?s right to follow his or her conscience and religious convictions on matters and issues pertaining to the unity of the family and the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death.
4. In a situation where couples, especially the poor and disadvantaged ones, are in no position to make an informed judgment, the State has the responsibility to so provide.
5. In the range of options and information provided to couples, natural family planning and modern methods shall be presented as equally available.
