Condom ads ban might curtail freedom of speech, says Roxas

by Maila Ager (INQUIRER.net)

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100303-256478/Condom-ads-ban-might-curtail-freedom-of-speech-says-Roxas

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines—A ban on condom advertisements might constitute a curtailment to freedom of the speech, Senator Mar Roxas on Wednesday said.

Roxas, instead, advised the Catholic church to just prod its followers not to use condoms.

“Pag-aralan natin kung ano talaga ‘yong nasa limitasyon pero palagay ko ‘yong sa freedom of the speech ay mangingibaw na diretsa (Let’s study what really is the limitation, but I think the freedom of the speech will prevail),” said Roxas in an interview here with reporters.

“Palagay ko mas (mabuti) kung sasabihin ng CBCP (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) sa kanilang mga followers na i-ban ang paggamit kasi desisyon ng tao ‘yan ( I think it would be better if the CBCP would tell its followers to ban the use of condoms because it’s the decision of the people),” he said.
Roxas was reacting to CBCP president Nerio Odchimar, who made the call on the ban on condom ads in media and public places.

While it was the CBCP’s right to make such call, Roxas said it would be difficult if the government would impose such prohibition.

Like Roxas, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III also expressed reservations on this proposed ban on condom ads.

“Kailangang pag-aralan ng konti ‘yan. Hindi ko alam kung pwedeng i-ban outright and ads (We need to study this. I don’t know if we could ban the ads outright),” Aquino said in a separate interview here.

“I think there’s still a stipulation that does not allow that unless it offends moral obscenity…,” he added.

Aquino, who is running for president and his running mate, Roxas, arrived here Wednesday noon to campaign. Both senators belong to the Liberal Party.