26 Jul July 24 SONA Statement
In his most recent State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. hit all the notes expected from a chief executive in their annual report: declarations of record economic growth, trade deals and foreign partnerships, social service programs, and infrastructure development.
The inaccessible basic services, unresponsive government helplines, and inefficient public transport system, however, continue to beset the common Filipino. Prices of goods and utilities continue to rise, abuses of power from law enforcement persist, and social services remain severely deficient.
Marcos Jr. rallied his supporters with a promise of “Ang Bagong Pilipinas.” Over a year into his presidency, he is yet to deliver on this promise.
Among the points of emphasis of the president’s address was the highly-criticized Maharlika Investment Fund. Marcos Jr. reiterated that only high-impact investments shall be made with the fund, such as investments towards his Build Better More program. But this is hardly evidence that we are trending towards the president’s promised new Philippines, as the same enthusiasm and financial commitment towards social services and basic human rights remains to be seen.
During his campaign, Marcos Jr. openly supported the access to abortion under certain circumstances. However, abortion is still restricted and heavily punished. Implementation of the country’s Reproductive Health Law has also weakened, with its budget staying dormant, and procurement standing at a standstill. These circumstances leave our women and children highly vulnerable, and is all the more alarming in a country like the Philippines where 1 out of 10 births are born to adolescent mothers, with 56% of such births coming from mothers below the age of 19. Rape maintains its status as one of the most common crimes in the country, along with physical injury, which can no doubt be linked to abuse – both reported and unreported – that many women and children endure.
Marcos Jr. also claimed that steps are being taken to recalibrate the K to 10 curriculum to ensure that it remains relevant and on-par with international standards. However, it remains to be seen if the government will finally make a commitment to implementing a program for comprehensive sexuality education, and one that openly discusses abortion as a health right. It is long overdue for once taboo and contentious topics to be openly discussed as human rights, public health and social justice issues. Health rights are fundamental human rights that should not be affected by personal conservative religious beliefs and should be enjoyed by any Filipino. If our laws are to be more inclusive and progressive, so must be the people, and the shifting of longstanding, backward beliefs can begin in schools.
It is unfortunate that many Filipinos are disappointed but not surprised when presidents fail to directly confront pressing matters during addresses, and in the laws they enact. This, however, only reaffirms the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network’s commitment to fight for inclusion, safe spaces, and the liberation of women and children.
Until respect for human rights, a legal and policy environment that addresses urgent public health concerns of women and effective government programs improve the lives of all Filipinos [or the lives of women, children, and every single Filipino], the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network, along with its allies and partners, will continue to hold the Philippine government accountable and answerable, until we no longer must endure normalized corruption, broken promises, and a lifestyle built on day-to-day survival.
We, the people, deserve better! We, the people, deserve our rights!
Decriminalize abortion now! Healthcare for all!