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."

On Saturday, deputy presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo said the DOH should “review" its program lest the agency give the wrong impression that the government is allowing artificial contraception and sexual decadence. The DOH, however, said the condom distribution undertaken by a private merchandising firm, DKT, and that the government did not spend for the procurement of the condoms. Despite this, the DOH said it will continue to push the ABC program more aggressively in light of reports of the alarming increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the country. - KBK, GMANews.TV