MANILA, Feb. 2, 2001 (LSN.ca) – New Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo revealed yesterday that her government would avoid the corruption of the former Estrada government and hold to traditional Philippine culture in its protection of life and family. “We will push for responsible parenthood and a population policy that is in keeping with our culture,” President Macapagal told foreign reporters. United Nations Population Fund operatives in Manila were outraged that the president refused to allow public funds to promote abortifacient contraception and condoms. “I do not think there should be a specific budget (in the Department of Health) for contraception,” she said in an interview.
She also argued against compelling the poor to use condoms, saying, “You don’t go and dictate birth control to them.”
For more see the Financial Times at: https://globalarchive.ft.com/globalarchive/articles.html?id=010202001157&query=contraception