The surfaced issue of the RH Bill has been producing a lot of arguments in the country. Even worse, when popular people like stars get to pick which side they’re in, another issue surfaces. Well, the icon who recently has been getting involved with the RH Bill case is no other than Manny Pacquiao. The boxing-champion-turned-politician has been actively participating on congress debates and talk shows to tell the people about his opinion. He was even invited to be a guest in the late-night news show, the State of the Nation with Jessica Soho.
One of Manny Pacquiao’s main reasons why he should stand against the RH bill is the principle that for him, there is poverty not because of the growing population but because of corruption. He also reiterated that Filipino people will win the battle of poverty just as long as there is no corruption, they will trust in God and work hard. For the boxing champion, limiting the number of children is not the solution in eliminating poverty. He also pointed out a verse in the Bible that says: “Go forth and multiply…” which according to him, is a straight order from God so it should not be neglected or broken.
When asked about how he and his wife Jinky manage to do family planning, Manny’s confidence made him say directly how they (Jinky) plan everything. He said, “Kami pag sinabi namin, o huwag muna tayo ngayon, dahil medyo pag nag make love tayo ngayon is mabubuntis ka. Tiis lang, disiplina. Parang boxing din nagdisiplina ka sa sarili mo,”
During his interview with Jessica Soho, the latter said this “Sana kay Jinky lang..” pointing out Manny Pacquiao’s kids. If you had watched the show, you will notice that the Sarangani congressman was kind of caught off guard by the prominent reporter’s joke. From then on, his answers about RH Bill went a little far off and he instead talked about his childhood. He told the public that when he was young, he did a lot of jobs just to help his family make ends meet.
Manny Pacquiao is just one of the many celebrity icons who oppose to the RH Bill. He’s also one of the bravest who stand for what they believe even though persecutions come along. Well, RH Bill is sure a big issue because it makes everybody voice out their opinion. Filipinos will just have to wait for whatever decision the government will choose.