Palace warns health secretary on ‘condom war’ with Church

THE Presidential Palace on Thursday told Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral to consult the Cabinet before changing government health policies, like on family planning methods.

Deputy presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo, who holds the rank of undersecretary, said he told Cabral about the need to clear any move that may be seen as a change in presidential policy.

Cabral two weeks ago distributed condoms which she said was part of the government’s drive against the AIDS/HIV virus.

For this, three bishops called for her resignation on the ground she was promoting immorality.

The Arroyo government has been following the Church stand that couples use only natural family planning methods.

The Church is strongly opposing the reproductive health bill pending in Congress, which allows the use of condoms and other artificial forms of contraception.

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