SONA STATEMENT ON FAMILY PLANNING: A MOVE TO MISLEAD THE PUB

Sino ang nag-imbento ng sinabi ng Pangulo?

In her 8th State of the Nation Address, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that “the Philippine population growth rate (PGR) has gone down to 2.04%” in 2007 from 2.36% in 2000 mainly because of her “Natural Family Planning Program” (NFP). This is not only inaccurate, experts say, but a misleading statement meant to prop up the NFP-only policy of the administration in order to please the CBCP.

Pres. Arroyo highlighted her bias toward natural family planning by concluding, “…informed choice should mean letting more couples, who are mostly Catholics, know about natural family planning.” This statement is shrouded in ambiguity.

Population experts will explain to media the real score behind these numbers and the impact of Pres. Arroyo’s preference for natural family planning on the lives of Maria and Juan.

By:Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.