The Philippine Online Chronicles

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral has accepted the proposal of certain Catholic Church bishops to debate on the effectiveness of condoms in preventing the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS).

“So long as the terms and conditions of the debate are clear, why not?” she said.

Cabral has been heavily criticized over the Department of Health (DOH’s) stance that making contraceptives available will help staunch the spread of HIV-AIDS. Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa and Bishop Deogracias Iniguez of Caloocan earlier called for the Health Secretary’s resignation, saying the program promoted irresponsibility, promiscuity, and the further spread of the sickness.

“I accept their challenge,” said Cabral. “But if it is a question of faith, I will not debate religious beliefs with them because we should all respect each other’s faith.”

“If it is a question of the function of the Church in relation to the State, there is nothing to debate because our Constitution says the Church is separate from the State,” she added.

Arguelles argued that condoms were not a failsafe for the transmission of HIV, citing data found by pro-life activist and executive director of Human Life International Dr. Ligaya Acosta.

“According to several surveys, 30-35 percent of latex condoms allowed sperm to get through and the HIV virus is 450 times smaller,” Acosta said. “Abstinence, monogamous sexual relationship and faithfulness of partners are the only foolproof ways of preventing the spread of HIV-AIDS.”

"I really sympathize with [Cabral],” Acosta added in an interview on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site. “She is so ignorant of the issue. I think she should have studied first before becoming secretary of health. She should have concentrated first on her private practice. What she is saying is very embarrassing.”

“They claim I am an ignoramus, that I know nothing, despite the fact I am a doctor and they are not. I believe I can defend my convictions in a debate with them,” Cabral said in reply.

National Press Club (NPC) vice president Rolando “Rolly" Gonzalo has offered the NPC’s "Meet the Press" forum as a venue for the debate.