A Respond to the GenSan Mayoral Candidates on Abortion
By: Bro. Nino Gaton
Aspirant Catholic Faith Defender of the Diocese of Marbel
Various reactions took place at the beginning of the debate held at Barangay Calumpang Gymnasium, it was vitiated by many left and right events, especially the beginning and end of the debate.SK Federation President of the City of General Santos, Hon. John Demdam is affected by a variety of controversies that are being thrown at him, especially by the trolls and outright criticism against him. Despite the many controversies or issues of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Calumpang of the City of General Santos, the debate continued even though it was still being criticized. The participants in the debate are the Regional Communities Reform Initiatives Party or RCRI and the two independent candidates for Mayor. Unfortunately, Mr. Elmer Catulpos of the Achievement with Integrity Movement or AIM party and Councilor Lorelie Pacquiao, representative of the League of Barangays in the City of General Santos, under the banner of the People’s Champ Movement were also not in the debate. But if his brother-in-law Senator Manny Pacquiao were Sen. Pacquiao is running for the Presidency of the Philippines we will answer on the issue of abortion, said Sen. Manny Pacquiao himself is also against abortion, but it is also possible that this the answer of Councilor Pacquiao regarding the issue of abortion.
On the one hand, even if there are controversial practices or throwing stones at them, the moderators of the debate accept my abortion question. However, most of those who attended the debate were supporters of Bongbong Marcos who is the Presidential candidate who agrees with Abortion. Meanwhile, Mr. Roberto Perales and Engr. Sterling Sanado is opposed to abortion even though Mayor Rivera seems to have considerations regarding abortion, Mr. Perales said, “In our country, we are against abortion but we have to consider also the life of the mother. Sometimes, kailangan nating gawin para sa kabutihan, hindi lahat ginagawa ay kasamaan depende sa rason kung bakit gagawi, eh kung nanganganib ang buhay ng ina ay di kailangang gawin pero kung sadyain, sa tingin ko, ay hindi po puwede. (we have to do it for good, not everything we do is evil depending on the reason why we do it, eh if the mother's life is in danger we don't have to do it but if we do it intentionally, I don't think we can).On the other hand, Mayor Rivera's response as the representative of Congresswoman Shirlyn Banas where Congresswoman Banas is running for Mayor on the issue as well said, “Naay kondisyon usahay na kailangan nato na mga medical situation sa usa ka mama so kinanghanglan nato og pagtagad, so we will allowed abortion on medical situation sa usa ka mama and of course, ang kailagan debatihan didto gamay kay victim of abuses ng rape o nabuntis na so we know for the fact ang bata is a blessing gikan sa Ginoo, we know that is a blessing, pero sometimes kung dili siya blessing tungod biktima sa abuse o biktima sa rape alanganin ta diha sa bata mudako nga walay magmahal. We want to make sure nakung makaya lang ang counsel sa babae nga girape o naagig abuse kay gumikan duda, so we can create the guidelines o nga parameters.”( There is a condition sometimes that we need a mother's medical situation so we need attention, so we will be allowed abortion on a mother's medical situation and of course, the need to be debated there is little to the victim of rape abuses or already pregnant so we know for the fact the child is a blessing from the Lord, we know that is a blessing, but sometimes if he is not a blessing because of the victim of abuse or victim of rape let us in the child grow up without love. We want to make sure I can only counsel the woman who has been raped or abused out of doubt, so we can create the guidelines or parameters.) The response of Engr. Sterling Sanado on the issue although he mentioned God's fifth commandment 'Thou Shalt Not Kill', then he added also, “unless siguro is the discretion of the family kung naay medikal na instances unya magpili ta, kung kinsay musurvive, kung papilion sa doktor kung ang inahan ba o ang anak, so with regards of the decision na Pro o Anti, so dili gyud ko musugot na malegalize ang aborsyon but, there's a provision kung naay medikal na kondisyon nga kinanghanglan atoang isaalang-alang.” (unless maybe it is the discretion of the family if there are medical instances then we will choose, who will survive, if the doctor will choose whether it is the mother or the child, so with regards to the decision Pro or Anti, so I will never agree may legalize abortion but, there's a provision if there is a medical condition that we need to consider.)
But we are trying to get a statement from Mr. Elmer Catulpos in his answer regarding the issue related to abortion.
On the one hand, this is what I am paying attention to regarding what GenSan Mayor Ronnel Rivera said on abortion it is similar to Bongbong Marcos ’answer regarding the issue. Consequently, the Catholic Church has stated that Abortion in the Catechism of the Catholic Church is well said, Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law: You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish. God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.
Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of ex-communication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae, " "by the very commission of the offense, " and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law. The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society. The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constitutive element of civil society and its legislation:
"The inalienable rights of the person must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority. These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents; nor do they represent a concession made by society and the state; they belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by the creative act from which the person took his origin. Among such fundamental rights, one should mention in this regard every human being's right to life and physical integrity from the moment of conception until death."
"The moment a positive law deprives a category of human beings of the protection which civil legislation ought to accord them, the state is denying the equality of all before the law. When the state does not place its power at the service of the rights of each citizen, and in particular of the more vulnerable, the very foundations of a state based on law are undermined. . . . As a consequence of the respect and protection which must be ensured for the unborn child from the moment of conception, the law must provide appropriate penal sanctions for every deliberate violation of the child's rights."
Since it must be treated from conception as a person, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed, as far as possible, like any other human being.
Prenatal diagnosis is morally licit, "if it respects the life and integrity of the embryo and the human fetus and is directed toward its safeguarding as an individual. . . . It is gravely opposed to the moral law when this is done with the thought of possibly inducing an abortion, depending upon the results: a diagnosis must not be the equivalent of a death sentence."
"One must hold as licit procedures carried out on the human embryo which respect the life and integrity of the embryo and do not involve disproportionate risks for it, but are directed toward its healing, the improvement of its condition of health, or its survival.”
"It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material."
"Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities. Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity" which are unique and unrepeatable. (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2270-2275)
Although, the Magisterium teaches also on regarding abortion stated at the Vatican II, “The Second Vatican Council… sternly condemned abortion: “From the moment of its conception life must be guarded with the greatest care, while abortion and infanticide are unspeakable crimes.” [Evangelium Vitae 62(Cf. Gaudium et Spes, 51)] Therefore, by the authority which Christ conferred upon Peter and his Successors, in communion with the Bishops-who on various occasions have condemned abortion and who in the aforementioned consultation, albeit dispersed throughout the world, have shown unanimous agreement concerning this doctrine I declare that direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, always constitutes a grave moral disorder, since it is the deliberate killing of an innocent human being. This doctrine is based upon the natural law and upon the written Word of God, is transmitted by the Church's Tradition, and taught by the ordinary and universal Magisterium. [Evangelium Vitae 62(Cf. Lumen Gentium, 25)]
In the same way, in the preferred to the Biblical basis on Abortion stated, it is clear as it said by Engr. Sterling Sanado that, “Thou Shalt Not Kill”, (Exodus 20:13). Then, “God made you in the womb…formed us in our mothers. I have upheld you since you were conceived, the Lord formed you in the womb. You knit me together in my mother’s womb…your eyes saw my unformed body, the baby leaped in her womb” (Job 31:15; Is.46:3-4; Is.44:2; Is. 49:5; Ps. 139:13-16; Lk. 1:41) For instance, “In his[God's] hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind, before you were born I set you apart, defend the weak and fatherless. [Pharmakeia (gk.)] Rescue those being led away to death” “from my mother’s womb you have been my God” (Job. 12:10; Ps 82:3-4; Jer. 1:4-5 Gal 5:20; Rev 9:2; Rev 21:8; Prov. 24:11-12 Ps 22:9-10)
Even though, if Mayor Ronnel Rivera or Cong. Shirlyn Banas favors Abortion, and the Church replies to that statement in favor of abortion as described, in the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, “A person who procures a completed abortion incurs a latae sententiae ex-communication.” (Code of Canon Law # 1398) In the same way, our Philippine Laws stated this, and firm standing on abortion indicates, “The State values the DIGNITY OF EVERY HUMAN PERSON and guarantees full respect for human rights. The State recognizes the SANCTITY of FAMILY LIFE and shall PROTECT and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the LIFE OF MOTHER and the LIFE OF THE UNBORN FROM CONCEPTION. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.”(Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Section XI-XII) On the other hand, the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines stated Abortion tells us. Intentional Abortion. — Any person who shall intentionally cause an abortion shall suffer, 1. The penalty of reclusión temporal, if he shall use any violence upon the person of the pregnant woman. 2. The penalty of prisión mayor if, without using violence, he shall act without the consent of the woman. 3. The penalty of prisión correccional in its medium and maximum periods, if the woman shall have consented. Unintentional Abortion. — The penalty of prisión correccional in its minimum and the medium period shall be imposed upon any person who shall cause an abortion by violence, but unintentionally. Abortion Practiced by the Woman Herself or by Her Parents. — The penalty of prisión correccional in its medium and maximum periods shall be imposed upon a woman who shall practice abortion upon herself or shall consent that any other person should do so. Any woman who shall commit this offense to conceal her dishonor shall suffer the penalty of prisión correccional in its minimum and medium periods. If this crime is committed by the parents of the pregnant woman or either of them, and they act with the consent of the said woman to conceal her dishonor, the offenders shall suffer the penalty of prisión correccional in its medium and maximum periods. Abortion Practiced by a Physician or Midwife and Dispensing of Abortives. — The penalties provided in article 256 shall be imposed in its maximum period, respectively, upon any physician or midwife who, taking advantage of their scientific knowledge or skill, shall cause an abortion or assist in causing the same. (The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, Article 255-259)
Not only the teachings of the Magisterium but also the Church fathers on Abortion stated also that, “The way of light, then, is as follows. If anyone desires to travel to the appointed place, he must be zealous in his work. The knowledge, therefore, that is given to us to walk in this way, is the following…You shall not slay the child by procuring abortion; nor shall you destroy it after it is born.” [Letter of Barnabas 19(c. A.D. 75)] “In our case, murder being forbidden, we may not destroy even the fetus in the womb, while the human being derives blood from other parts of the body for its sustenance. To hinder a birth is merely a speedier man-killing; nor does it matter whether you take away a life that is born, or destroys one that is coming to the birth. That is a man that is going to be one; you have the fruit already in its seed.” [Apology 9 (A.D. 197)] “And near that place I saw another strait place into which the gore and the filth of those who were being punished ran down and became a lake: and there sat women having the gore up to their necks, and over against them sat many children who were born to them out of due time, crying; and there came forth from them sparks of fire that smote the women in the eyes: and these were accursed who conceived and caused abortion.” [The Apocalypse of Peter 25 (c. A.D. 135)] “I cannot bring myself to speak of the many virgins who fall every day and are lost to the bosom of the Church, their mother... Some go so far as to take potions, that they may insure barrenness, and thus murder human beings almost before their conception. Some, when they find themselves with child through their sin, use drugs to procure abortion, and when (as often happens) they die with their offspring, they enter the lower world laden with the guilt not only of adultery against Christ but also of suicide and child murder.” [Letters 22:13 (A.D.384)] “The woman who purposely destroys her unborn child is guilty of murder… The punishment, however, of these women should not be for life, but the term of ten years. And let their treatment depend not on the mere lapse of time, but on the character of their repentance.” [Letters 188:2 (A.D. 374)] “Women also who administer drugs to cause abortion, as well as those who take poisons to destroy unborn children, are murderesses.” (Letter 188:8) “You shall not use magic. You shall not use witchcraft; for he says, “You shall not suffer a witch to live.” You shall not slay your child by causing abortion, nor kill what is begotten; for “everything shaped, and has received a soul from God, if it is slain, shall be avenged, as being unjustly destroyed”.” [Apostolic Constitutions 7:1:3 (c. A.D. 400)]
Taking everything into consideration, at the end of this article let’s tell the question Mayor Rivera together with Mayoral Candidate then Congresswoman Shirlyn Banas, ‘Is abortion would be allowed in the medical situation even in case of rape or incest? Eventually, the Church states it was wrong to allow abortion also then the Church teaches that ABORTION IS A CULTURE OF DEATH AND NOT A CULTURE OF LIFE even also the Church’s Fathers as well said that they believe that ABORTION is BOTH Suicide and Murder. As you stated on that particular saying that speaking you’ve said that you allowed that abortion is allowed in the medical situation even in case of rape or incest, the Science also answered on this statement, in which Science agrees that LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION. However, Science proves that LIFE STARTS AT CONCEPTION. Many Science textbooks tell us that LIFE BEGINS WHEN SPERM CELLS AND EGG CELLS MEET WITH EACH OTHER.
Weighing on this both sides of this argument, The Church teaches that HUMAN LIFE IS SACRED AND MUST BE TREATED WITH RESPECT and HUMAN LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION and also from the BEGINNING LIFE MUST BE DEFENDED. Consequently, INTENTIONAL ABORTION IS AND ALWAYS IMMORAL AND IT IS A GRAVE SIN and GRAVE EVIL. The Church teaches that the teaching about Abortion has not changed and remains unchangeable.
Before I end my article I will emphatically insert such an article regarding the legalization of abortion, however, almost intend to legislate the legalization of abortion in Argentina fortunately, the Supreme of Argentina have been suspended that law. Hence, St. John Paul II once says “Give us the grace – When the sacredness of life before birth is attacked, to stand up and proclaim that no one ever has the authority to destroy unborn life.”(St. John Paul II) And my friend also says, “Life is the most precious gift from God. Let us nourish our lives, let us cherish our years, and celebrate our days.”(Bro. Airson Kelly Llena)
Hopefully, after this article that I have posted or published to all faithful, I assure you that our Bishop would give either a pastoral letter or else regarding the issue of abortion that faithful aware of this whoever people support abortion
We have to see that, it is appropriate for us that whether in the election or not we should analyze the circumstances that surround us, especially with candidates or non -candidates from the perspective of abortion, in fact even at the end of the election or in the middle of the election. Such an article will remind us to stand up for what is more inspiring for the good, I hope this article will be a guide and inspiration for you, especially for those who live surrounded by the territory of the Diocese of Marbel.
Reference: The Dignity of Life: Abortion? by: Airson Kelly B. Llena. Powerpoint Presentation
