Temperance vs HIV

This refers to the Inquirer’s Dec. 14 editorial on the rising incidence of HIV cases. It is very reassuring that Rep. Teddy Brawner Baguilat is “alarmed (such that he is calling) Congress’ attention to the need” to use “more resources to prevent HIV infections as well as help those who are already infected.”

The “culprit” mentioned in the article as the cause of the increase in HIV cases is “unprotected sex,” as if sex is beyond man’s control. Unlike animals that copulate anytime and anywhere they get the urge, man has intelligence that, if directed toward the good, tells him or her that having sex only with one’s wife or husband is the most effective, lasting and least costly preventive method against HIV. Above all, this safeguards the moral health of society as loyalty to one’s spouse imbues the virtues of temperance, fortitude and decency that we all must persevere with in order to live and meaningfully contribute to nation-building.  This “should therefore ideally receive the most attention in terms of public education and awareness,” a point that Representative Baguilat should ensure to include in the legislation.

—CHING D. AUNARIO,

chingauna@yahoo.com