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source of this article:
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Several
Catholic groups have formed a coalition to start a campaign against President
Benigno Aquino, for his “secret” signing of a controversial health bill that
called for government subsidy for a family planning programme, including free
distribution of contraceptives and health education for nine to 19-year-olds in
public schools, sources said.
“Something
big is being prepared in this campaign. We are also preparing for politicians
with other ulterior motives and might ride on with us. We don’t like that,”
said the source who requested anonymity.
“The
number of Catholic-related groups that are now with us in this campaign is
growing,” said the source.
The number
of the so-called “silent Catholic groups” that are supporting the passage of
the controversial health bill is “growing smaller,” said the source.
The campaign
will include the strengthening of the Catholic vote, “so that the sentiment of
the Catholic Church in May 2013 will be felt,” said the source who referred to
the mid-term elections in 2013.
A group
called Catholic Vote Philippines, an alliance of lay Catholic groups, said that
the drop in Aquino’s popularity should be seen as a warning by the ruling
party.
It will be
the first time the Catholic Church will test its power as a block voter.
Several
non-Catholic Christian groups, including the Iglesia ni Cristo, have proven
themselves for several years as block voters, with members following the
recommendations of their religious leaders.
Many
politicians have allied with Aquino because both the ruling and opposition
parties could not get candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and
local government units.
A survey
said the majority of Filipinos would vote for the senators and congressmen who
voted for the passage of the controversial health bill.
As part of
the Catholic campaign, families will be told not to allow their children to
attend sex education in public schools.
But the
passed bill which Aquino signed on August 21, called on local government
leaders to have regulatory powers for the implementation of the health law.
The
Catholic Church has also planned to elevate complaints before the Supreme
Court. [More]
Please click to link the
source of this article:
http://philippines.ucanews.com/2013/01/01/campaign-against-aquino-could-grow-says-catholic-activist/
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