Santosh Digal

During yesterday's address on the "state of the nation", the head of state stressed the "promotion of natural family planning methods", denouncing the "pro-abortion" policies supported by some in parliament. A scholar accuses the UN of pressure over birth control.

Today, President Arroyo will deliver the "state of the nation" address to the House of Representatives. The Church is asking for "the creation of a plan for agricultural development", and rejection of the "pro-abortion" law, because only "by valuing the family can the nation grow".

Bishops’ appeal in defence of life is heard by 45 associations which call on the government to kill proposed bills. Tomorrow bells will ring across Manila at the same time to remember the 40th anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae.

The director of the Catholic agency wants greater controls on rice supplies to avoid speculation. He wants “critical cooperation” with the government, stressing the Church’s commitment to the needy.

Without distinction of religious faith, the young people are promoting a "Week of prayer" to sensitize the government over the problems of the country. The most urgent requests: the fight against abortion, and economic policies aimed at development.

At least 2.9 million household experienced hunger in the last three months. For the Catholic Church government pro-abortion policies are morally unacceptable; economic policies that support the population should be promoted instead.

The Inter-religious Solidarity Movement for Peace plans to start a weekly radio talk-show to talks about doctrine, theology, inter-faith dialogue and economic development. In the meantime the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front take a major step towards a peace deal.

On July 25, a protest demonstration will unite the faithful of the entire country, determined to make their voices heard against a proposed law awaiting parliamentary approval. The bishops restate the policy of "defence of life", and threaten to withhold communion from politicians who sign the law.

The promoters of a family planning bill call for discussions with the Church to work out ethical issues. The Bishops’ Conference reiterates its opposition to family planning policies and calls instead for socioeconomic polices that promote development.

The rising cost of living is forcing many families to keep their children out of school because they cannot afford its costs. The government is trying to help them with food subsidies but cannot pay for books or transportation. The diocesan Caritas is helping thousands of students.

In a meeting with President Arroyo, the prelates reiterate their opposition to initiatives that promote contraception as a solution to overpopulation. They hope instead for socioeconomic policies that would favour the country’s development.

Inaugurating the celebrations for the Pauline Year, the president of the Filipino bishops' conference invites those working abroad to proclaim the word of God, following the example of the Apostle. He asks the dioceses to create "special events" aimed at promoting the figure of the Saint among the faithful.