‘Protection for the unconceived’

EARLIER THIS week, the city council of Muntinlupa remanded Barangay Ordinance No. 2, an amended version of Ordinance No. 1, to the Barangay Council of Ayala Alabang Village. This village of prosperous residents has been baptized “Alabangistan” for the issuance of the ordinance which sought to “protect the life of the unborn” and to regulate the sale and marketing of contraceptives—what the review termed the “protection of the unconceived.” (Indeed, do sperm and eggs now deserve legal protection?)

The city council returned the proposed ordinance on several grounds. First, in keeping with the “basic rule” that the title of a proposed piece of legislation must cover only one subject matter, the council suggested that the title (and ordinance) be reworded to focus on either the unborn or contraceptives.

Second, the council said the barangay council was going beyond the proper scope of its authority in seeking to regulate the sale and distribution of condoms and contraceptives, since this authority is with the Bureau of Food and Drugs. The council also noted that “while the moral aspect is recognized (in seeking to restrict the sale of contraceptives to teeners), the current behavior and condition of the young adolescents and teenagers must be considered. Given the very impulsive and reckless nature of adolescents and teenagers nowadays, they may be placed in a graver predicament if access to contraceptives is restricted and disallowed.” Also, the council noted, national agencies like the Department of Health have not seen fit to impose age limits on who should be able to access contraceptives.

Lastly, the council commented on provisions pertaining to parental control over their children’s sexual behavior, noting that “while one parent may be of the view that in so teaching a minor to abstain from pre-marital sex until he is of the legal age is characterized as responsible, some parents view that instilling in a minor’s mind that safe and protected sex is likewise responsible, is not totally wrong. Thus, the final say must rest on the parents, whose exercise of control and supervision over their own children is naturally within the ambit of ‘strengthening the family’s solidarity.’” In other words, the barangay council has no right to impose on parents rules on how they are to raise their children.

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“ALABANGISTAN” is of course a play on “Afghanistan,” at least during the years when the Taliban were in power, when any violation of rules restricting any activity deemed pleasurable or decadent (including kite-flying) was meted out harsh and extreme punishments, including death by stoning.

The Ayala Alabang ordinance was deemed similarly harsh and restrictive and anti-women, and reports that it was passed furtively until residents rose to demand greater transparency from the council, didn’t help its prospects any. Suspicions that the ordinance was a pre-emptive strike at the village level against the RH bill were aroused when three other barangays in Bataan adopted very similar ordinances.

Life after the expected passage of the RH bill will be far from smooth, RH advocates pointed out during a consultation with board members of ARROW, an RH advocacy group based in different Asian countries. After the expected passage by the House and Senate, they said, they foresee the Supreme Court as the next arena of contention, with anti-RH groups even now preparing legal challenges against the bill. Also, there is need to work with the DOH, the Department of Education and local governments to ensure that the provisions of the RH bill are implemented to the full measure of their intent and desired results. No rest for the weary, or the well-intentioned!

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“WHAT makes you happy?” Table-mates at a recent lunch hosted by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation began asking each other this question when the foundation’s “Be Happy!” movement was announced.

One of us said working on her garden was sure to bring a smile to her face. Another said simply being outdoors lifted her mood. I said it was waking up to the sound of bird song. Indeed, such “simple, doable and practical routines, activities and habits” could go a long way toward helping people see “the brighter side of life.”

Set up in 2007, the NGF has sought to raise public awareness about depression, sponsoring programs with families of overseas workers and among public school students. With the “Be Happy!” movement, it seeks to create a positive spin to the battle against depression, to spread the message that it is possible to create “a state of happiness (that can be) maintained on a regular and continuing basis” before clinical depression, which is treatable with medical intervention, sets in.

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MAE Paner, otherwise known as “Juana Change,” agent provocateur and cultural activist, would seem to be the ideal ambassador for “Sooo Pinoy,” a movement that seeks to promote appreciation for Filipino cuisine. But ever since she embarked on her own “wellness journey,” Mae proudly announced that she has lost all of 39 pounds, pointing out that it is possible to love food and Filipino cooking while eating smartly and healthily.

Mae was part of a panel composed of Tracey Santiago, who promotes “Viajeng Cusinang Matua” tours featuring heritage Pampango cuisine; and Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano, executive chef of Unilever Food Solutions, main sponsor of “Sooo Pinoy” during this week’s Bulong Pulungan at Sofitel.

Working with restaurants, canteens and other institutional food outlets, Joanne said they are concerned with promoting Filipino dishes and documenting the various versions and innovations adopted by home cooks and restaurant chefs around the country, as well as promoting “food safety and sanitation” among their clients.