CBCP taps bloggers in fight vs RH bill

After setting up a pro-life website, Catholic bishops are now tapping bloggers to help them voice out their opposition to the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill. Officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) met with several bloggers about using online media to share the Catholic faith. CBCP media director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III said the meeting was also aimed at creating a network of volunteer bloggers who will spread the “Gospel of Life" in cyberspace. “Let’s make a new media. Let’s crusade for a new media founded on solid grounds," Quitorio told the bloggers during the meeting on Tuesday, according to an article posted on the CBCP news site. Quitorio said the meeting was meant to acknowledge the role of blogs in modern communications. “Media is not only about talking or writing, it’s more than that. In our context (as Catholics), it’s about delivering Christ’s message," he said. The Catholic Church is against the RH bill because of its provisions allowing artificial contraception. The Church accepts only natural family planning methods. Carlos Antonio Palad, a young professional and blogger, cited the need to be pro-active in campaigning against the RH bill. “Do not be afraid. Let’s engage our enemies (in the RH bill debate)," Palad said. Last month, the CBCP has launched a website on pertinent issues related to family and life issues. The website also contains position papers, as well as scientific and medical documents that back its stand against the RH bill. “So another reason is that we are trying to create a voluntary support system to that (portal) ... What we want is not just media in the Church but media as Christians," Quitorio said. Meanwhile, pro-life groups continued with their vigils outside the House of Representatives in Quezon City as debates continued on the RH bill. The CBCP said the vigil was organized by Pro-Life Philippines and Soldiers of Christ Catholic Charismatic Community. Pro-Life Media and Legislative Liason Officer Lito David scored the notion that the RH bill is pro-women and pro-poor. David said the purpose of the vigil was to pray for congressmen and to show the people's support for the "pro-life" solons in opposing the RH bill. "It was also to pray for the entire Congress, not just for the anti-RH Congressmen. That's why the vigil was held right there across the House; the members of Soldiers of Christ believe that by praying for the institution itself, it will be cleansed. And that those who are for the bill will change their minds," David said. - VVP, GMA News