MANILA, Philippines - Unlike his predecessor, Health Secretary Enrique Ona on Friday said the Department of Health will not distribute free condoms on Valentine's Day this year.
Ona said he will not follow the example set by his predecessor, Esperanza Cabral, who gave out free condoms on Valentine’s Day last year as part of the government's campaign to stem the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
"Hindi, not this year. Kailangan humingi ka. We are not going to distribute it. Ang mga commodities ngayon nasa local government. Kaya baka kailangan ka pumunta sa city hall," he told reporters.
The health chief said the condoms will only be given to the poor as stated in the Responsible Parenthood Bill of the Aquino administration.
"It will be given to those who cannot afford, to those who ask for it and for those who need it," Ona said.
He also clarified that he finds nothing immoral about the distribution and use of condoms, depending on its objective. "It depends on the objective of those giving it and those receiving it," he said.
Last year, Catholic bishops called for the immediate removal of then health secretary Cabral for authorizing the distribution of free condoms on Valentine's Day.
Ona, meanwhile, said the Responsible Parenthood Bill will promote both natural and artificial forms of family planning. He said the bill does not set a target population growth rate.
He said the Palace is consulting the Catholic Church and women's groups about the government's health policy.
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