Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 14) — Presidential candidate and labor leader Leody de Guzman remained firm in his push to decriminalize abortion and legalize divorce should he win the presidency in the May 9 elections.
De Guzman, in a press forum with Catholic church run station Radyo Veritas on Monday, said that women can have more freedom to make a choice for their own life and body if the country legalizes abortion.
“Ayoko magsinungaling, ayoko magtago kaya umabot na ko sa pag-iisip na dapat i-decriminalize yung abortion. Ang nakikita ko, Father, ay mababawasan ang pagkamatay ng maraming kababaihan dahil sa pag-undergo sa lihim na sistema ng pag-a-abort. Makakabawas po tayo diyan,” he said.
[Translation: I do not want to lie. I don’t want to reach the point of hiding that is why I thought of decriminalizing abortion. We can save the lives of women who undergo abortion.]
Meanwhile, he said legalizing divorce in the country can allow couples in loveless marriages a way out of the union.
Abortion and divorce are prohibited in the Philippines.
Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of the Diocese of Imus responded to de Guzman, saying the Catholic Church stands by its belief to support human life from conception.
“Siyempre po may mga posisyon kayo na may pagkakaiba rin tayo. Lalo na sa inyong posisyon sa abortion at divorce. Ang Catholic Church ay nanindigan sa buhay simula sa sinapupunan hanggang sa dulo ng buhay,” says Evangelista.
[Translation: We have differing opinions especially on abortion and divorce. The Catholic Church stands by its belief in the importance of preserving life which begins at conception.]
Despite differing opinions in some matters, Evangelista lauded de Guzman’s stance in making sure that laborers are given more opportunities.
