Santosh Digal

According to the bishops, the obligatory test is "discriminatory", and violates individual privacy. On the basis of statistics from 2006, out of 2,566 cases of AIDS, only 891 were among workers returning from outside of the country.

Melamine has been found in many exported Chinese products, in spite of the initial assurances from the companies involved. Chinese dairy products are being banned in a growing number of countries, from Brunei to Japan. Fears are on the rise because many local companies have used these products.

The Filipino government is set to investigate into the situation of half a million displaced people who could starve to death as a result of fighting between army and MILF. Humanitarian organisations warn that with the end of Ramadan the situation might get worse.

In the village of Muntay, Christians and Muslims offer each mutual assistance to protect themselves from the fighting between army, Muslim rebels and armed Christian groups. They want to rebuild their life together against the danger that hatred might triumph.

The country’s Bishops’ Conference slams a political campaign driven by personal and economic interests that offend the notions of “right and wrong.” Proposed law on family planning methods is backed by some Protestant groups.

The activists of the Commission on Family and Life have launched a show of force in front of congress, where the law is under discussion. Its supporters say that it is necessary "to control demographic growth"; experts emphasize that the numbers "are in decline", and do not justify the law.

Arroyo, a Catholic and the mother of three, restates her opposition to the reproductive health bill, supporting the firm stance expressed by the country's episcopal conference. The bishops have launched a campaign to gather signatures against the "pro-abortion" law.

Typhoon Nuri wrecks havoc in the Compostela Valley, killing 20 and injuring another 31. Five people are still missing. Filipino Church denounces “delays in relief aid” and “unbridled exploitation of mining resources” which worsened matters.

Congressional committee adopts bill on artificial contraception. The Church launches a set of DVDs about sex education, marriage and family life to better explain its reasons for opposing the legislation.

Under the slogan “May They Be One”, the bishops plan to promote reading and better understanding of the Word of God as well as urge Catholics to put its teachings into practice. The plan is inspired by the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops scheduled for Rome next October.

It's a definitive split between the government and rebel groups of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, responsible for the recent wave of violence in Mindanao. There are almost half a million refugees on the island. The appeal of the Catholic Church, which, together with the Muslims, wants "true peace" for the country.

“Helping migrants” and promoting “appropriate social policies” are the goals highlighted at a conference that brought together representatives of 18 Asian bishops’ conferences. Pope Benedict XVI addressed the issue in last Sunday’s Angelus by inviting governments to act “responsibly.”