DOH stands by free condoms campaign
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday stood by its distribution of free condoms last Valentine’s weekend despite criticisms from Catholic bishops and Malacañang. In an article on its Web site, the DOH said the free condoms were meant to combat the threat of human immunodeficiency virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). It said the condom distribution should not be construed as a signal that the government is advocating sexual licentiousness, as claimed by the Catholic Church. “The free condoms were just a tool of a creative campaign aimed at promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention at a most opportune time – Valentine’s Day," it said, adding that the condom distribution was part of the three-point campaign to combat HIV/AIDS known by the acronym ABC – A for “abstinence from sex", B for “be faithful to your partner" and C for “condom use."