Ryuichi Nakamura's Excellent Reaction Paper: "The Bill, the Church and the State"

Ryuichi Nakamura Sr-C
The Bill, the Church and the State

It has become rather strange here in the Philippines. Two of our most fundamental institutions, two of the biggest peace-promoting groups in our country, the Roman Catholic Church and the Philippine government, are at odds with one another. And peace is one of the last things they are currently fanning; everywhere, beliefs are lost, trust is questioned, vicious words are dropped. All over one of the most controversial issues of our time: reproductive health.

Perhaps the word “controversy” is overstating it. When you look at other developed countries, such an issue probably wouldn’t even be considered “controversial”. At most, it would probably stir up a few Internet forums, or else a street demonstration or two. But it would never reach the national level it did here in the Philippines, where conservatives have a deep root in culture and liberals have a convincing voice in society. The issue speaks of the times, of the critical period of development in the history of any country: which ideals to keep, which ones to abandon in favor of newer ones?

Although many would argue otherwise, there are undeniably two sides which decide and influence the answer to this question, respectively: the government, and the Church. Each has its own role in the country: the government upholds the peace, rights and justice of the people, while the Church, being a religious organization, preaches moral direction and spirituality. Usually, the government would have the entire newspaper headline to itself when settling an issue of laws; however, this time the Church shares in the spotlight, which is understandable, seeing as the Reproductive Health Bill touches on the sensitive side of the Church on morality.

However, the recent statements issued by the Church, as well as the blatant overstatements published by the media, are not understandable. Nor are they tolerable with any regards to human rights and value.

Sure, the Church aims to provide moral guidance to its flock. But that is the extent of its power. It does not have the power to take away man’s freedom of choice, nor the right to knowledge, both of which are promulgated by the RH Bill. It can enlighten its flock and tell which actions are considered sinful, and which are not. But it cannot, and should not, take away the right of people to choose which actions to carry out, whether to sin or not. Not even by threat of damnation or, God forbid, excommunication. That is immature, and desperate in the highest sense of the word.

What’s more, the government only aims to serve its people by providing them with the truth. Facts are facts: there are many options associated with birth control and reproduction. And President Noynoy is presenting it as such, in a completely objective manner. It is not telling people to go out there and get condoms and follow a new vein of morality; it simply presenting them with knowledge and choices. It isn’t meddling in the Church’s duty to teaching morality. But the CBCP, by its released sentiments, is on the verge of meddling with the government’s duty to serve the people.

I find it quite sad and frustrating. The Church demands a say in political decisions when the government serves not only over Catholics but Filipinos of all religions and beliefs. I am not saying that the Church is in the wrong, the government in the right. Of course the Church should never change its stand on morality; that would bring to question the credibility of its teachings. However, I am saying that our differences should serve to bridge rather than divide, to unite rather than ruin. The government, the Church, and basically all other religious institutions, should work hand in hand, differences aside, for the good and progress of the country, in mutual respect for each one’s roles and aims. Gone are the days when the Church was followed in all decisions of the State. These are modern times: people have voices and concerns that cannot be dictated by any morality.

The solution to the dispute is simple: dialogue. But there are times when I wish the media would just have the sense to stop blowing out of proportion such a timely and delicate issue, because rather than informing the masses, it is merely setting up the tools for misunderstanding, distrust, and loss of faith and conviction, particularly for liberal Catholics.

That being said, provided that it strictly prohibits any act leading to abortion and focuses on education and objectivity, I support the RH Bill. And I am still a Catholic.