The country’s pro-life organizations, including the leading party-list group Buhay Hayaang Yumabong, yesterday called on citizens to stop the threat of the culture of death allegedly being openly espoused by presidential frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza and Eric Manalang, president of Pro-Life Philippines, aired the call as they endorsed United Nationalist Alliance Vice President Jejomar C. Binay as the presidential bet who could ensure a government that will defend society and the family against threats of abortion, summary executions, and similar actions that might be legalized under another government leadership.
For vice president, the two pro-life leaders said Sen. Gregorio B. Honasan II, Binay’s running mate, is also committed to protect the Filipino family from disunity.
Manalang admitted that they had scrutinized the pro-life record of Sen. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and that they are convinced that he is committed in pursuing a pro-family, pro-life advocacy.
“We went to the process of looking into the record of other candidates. We had to speak with Marcos and we are convinced he is pro-Life,” said Manalang.
The pro-life advocate called on all Catholics to carefully examine the background of all candidates to determine whether or not they are capable of protecting the family and life as they serve the next three to six years in government.
He pointed out that close scrutiny should be given on presidential candidates who will be appointing at least 10 Supreme Court magistrates and may influence appointees to join his pro or anti-life advocacies.
“When we vote on May 9 let us remember two things about our candidates: Will he or she create or destroy life,” Manalang stressed.
Manalang said the pro-life group has succeeded in blocking the election of Reproductive Health Law “poster girl” Rissa Hontiveros who lost in the 2013 senatorial race.
However, he admitted that media support in the pro-life campaign has been slow in the forthcoming elections that Hontiveros is gaining grounds at being elected senator.
Atienza said Duterte, who has hinted summary execution to wipe out criminals on the streets, is far from getting the supporters of pro-life advocates.
The former Manila mayor said Binay is the most trusted president if concerns of the advocates of life and family are to be addressed.
High on the list of senatorial candidates that the pro-life advocates will support is Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, whose deep religiosity and his strong opposition against the RH bill have earned him their admiration.
Also included in the pro-life alliance list of senatorial bets are incumbent Sen. Tito Sotto, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Princess Jacel Kiram, former Rep. Dante Liban, Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, former Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, and Diosdado Valeroso.
Atienza disclosed that the El Shaddai Catholic charismatic organization was expected last night to announce national candidates its members will support. (Ben R. Rosario)