Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – Catholic groups that defend the value of human life have launched a campaign to convince members of the Filipino Congress to approve two important documents that promote the value of human life. According to a note sent to Fides, this is the "Citizen Protection Act" and "Protection of the Unborn Child Act 2010,” one concerning the protection of citizens' rights and the other focused on the protection of unborn children.
The first bill calls for the defense of any citizen against forms of injustice, human rights violations, torture, or abuse of power by the military, stressing the "right to life in every human activity," and calling for a strict control over the issue of firearms, as well as "respect for life in professional and social activities."
The second bill focuses attention on abortion and calls for absolute respect for unborn human life by public and private medical facilities and medical personnel.
The two measures, the note says, are supported by the Catholic Church in the Philippines and, according to activists, will be a test to see the orientation of the new government of President Aquino. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/08/2010)
