Wednesday, May 11, 2011

“God doesn’t need celebrity endorsements” - Cardinal Rosales

While the reproductive health bill continued to draw popular promoters, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Monday said that the Catholic Church's fight against the controversial measure does not need endorsements because "God doesn't need one."

While he welcomed groups and personalities championing the Church's stand opposing the controversial legislative measure, Rosales reiterated that the Church was not particular in getting famous people to attract more support from the people.

"We are thankful that there are popular personalities who advocate against the RH bill ... but when you know that you are on the right path, you need no one [because] God doesn't require endorsements," Rosales told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of an exhibit at the 
Manila Cathedral on Monday.

Among the famous personalities who have joined the Church in championing natural family planning methods is world's boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, who retained his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown in a match against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on the weekend.

Pacquiao had earlier stated that the RH bill would prevent "blessings from being born."

He added that if his parents used condom, there would not have been a Manny Pacquiao.

On the other side of the fence, other equally famous celebrities have been declaring their unequivocal support for the measure that would promote artificial birth control among Filipino couples.

Last week, it has been reported that multi-awarded Broadway star, Lea Salonga was keen on becoming the official RH bill ambassador should the post be offered to her by Malacañang.

The House of Representatives resumed its session on Monday and was expected to tackle the RH bill in the following weeks.

But Rosales was not bothered, saying that the RH bill has still a long way to go before it will be legislated into law. 

"This is not yet the end," said Rosales.