No Separation of Church and State in the Philippines, Arroyo Does Archbishop's Bidding

A report in the Philippine Daily Inquirer December 20th, 2005, highlights the strong hold that the Roman Catholic Church still has on that country's political leaders.
Excerpt follows:

President Macapagal-Arroyo has assured that her administration would promote only natural family planning methods as legislators set debates on a population management bill, the chair of the Catholic Church’s commission on family life said on Sunday.

San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto said the President gave the assurance over breakfast Sunday, after Arroyo attended the 4 a.m. Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral here. Ms Arroyo arrived here unaccompanied by any member of the First Family.

“[Ms Arroyo] said she would follow the Church’s stand,” Aniceto told the Inquirer shortly after the President left for Manila.

‘Cafeteria method’

In their conversation, he said Ms Arroyo objected to the “cafeteria method” wherein family planning choices are varied and readily available.

“She’s a devout Catholic and she said she would abide with the doctrine of the Church,” Aniceto said.

The complete story may be read at this link:

http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=60522