DOH insists on P880-M budget for family planning program

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday insisted on its P880-million budget for the government’s family planning program and purchase of contraceptives next year.

Health officials led by Secretary Enrique Ona defended the outlay before the Senate during the hearing on the DOH’s P32.627-billion budget for next year.

Ona made the pitch for the budget by citing the statements of Pope Benedict XVI favoring the use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS.

Ona took the stand to defend the budget through Sen. Franklin Drilon, chairman of the Senate committee on finance.

“The radical position of the Pope will go a long way in improving (the government’s capability in combating AIDS),” Drilon said, echoing Ona as the DOH budget was being heard before the plenary.

Sen. Loren Legarda questioned how DOH could attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) vis-a-vis Disaster Risk Reduction programs, and on issues concerning maternal deaths and birthing facilities.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III also questioned the P880-million family planning program.   “Spending P880 million in people’s money…if you want to use contraceptives, then buy it. Why do you need to ask from the government?” Sotto asked.

Sotto made it clear that he is against promoting the use of contraceptives. “Except for condoms, all the contraceptives, in my opinion and many other Filipinos, these all violate the provision in the Constitution which recognizes the sanctity of life…and shall protect and strengthen the family,” Sotto said.

Drilon, however, expressed optimism when asked if the budget for contraceptives and family planning will no longer be a contentious issue during the budget hearings.  –Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star)