Catholic bishops present 13-point agenda for Noynoy

Catholic bishops on Wednesday bared a 13-point agenda for President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to address in his administration, most of which involved social issues the Arroyo government allegedly failed to prioritize in its nine-and-a-half years in power.

“The CBCP insists 13-point advocacies as guidance to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III when he assumes office for moral and social transformation of the country especially the poor,” said former Manila auxiliary bishop Teodoro Bacani Jr. in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site.

On top of the list was the implementation of land reform through Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with extension and reform (CARPer).

The CARP law, which paved the way for the redistribution of agricultural lands to tenant-farmers from landowners, was a landmark legislation under the term of Aquino’s mother, the late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.

The bishops also demanded from Aquino the rejection of the controversial reproductive health bill, same-sex union, abortion, divorce, euthanasia and contraceptives. They also urged him not to allow the demolition without relocation of urban poor families.

On the other hand, they demanded that the new chief executive put a stop to human trafficking of children and women.

The other nine Church advocacies are:

• Protect the environment by stopping large scale mining and illegal logging.
• Stop corruption and prosecute the people involved in graft and corruption.
• No to nepotism and political dynasty in Philippine politics.
• Uphold human rights of all the accused.
• Educate the poor by improving educational system and give the poor access to quality education.
• Peace and security: negotiate with the rebels with public consultations to all stakeholders.
• Stop illegal gambling by arresting and prosecuting gambling lords.
• Alleviate poverty by improving the living condition of the marginalized, under-represented and oppressed people.
• Food security by eliminating structures that hinder the growth and development of those in the agricultural sector.
— KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV