“The State recognizes marriage as an inviolable social institution and the foundation of the family which in turn is the foundation of the nation.” The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 or commonly known as the RH Law guarantees universal access to methods of contraception, the right to education and information, the right to reproductive health care and a solution the country’s mortal enemy: Poverty. But the question is; was it really made solely for the common good and social welfare of the Filipino people?

Many Filipinos have commended the senate and congress for finally passing the RH Law, since its true nature is for the good of the majority. However, most of these people don’t see that this might serve as an avenue for corruption instead of a solution that would completely eradicate the issue of poverty in the Philippines. According to the press release given by the Senate of the Philippines, there is a whopping P21-billion in the DOH budget that seeks to address maternal and infant health. To have a culture that is family-oriented, do we really need this amount of budget for a law that declines our traditions? This law could possibly pave a way to any potential dictator by promising the people freebies and public goods. Yet what most people don’t know is that more freebies mean more opportunity for these politicians to gain power and do graft and corruption. We all know that some government officials are making these kinds of constitutions simply because they want their name to be publicized and for the people to remember them. The implementation of the RH Law might just be another way for some corrupt officials to take money from the people’s taxes, or it could also be part of their own bouquet of achievements to catch the sympathy of Filipinos in the time of elections. As an addition to that, many politicians voted on the bill to become law in order to secure their positions in the Government.

Before advocating real changes, it must come first from within. While corruption is becoming rampant in our country, can there still be a chance for change? The problem is not within us and our growing population, but the will of our government officials in truly serving the people. Unfortunately, the funds for this law overshadowed its importance. It is sad to say that human rights here are used as tools for these politicians to carry on with their foul schemes. Some of us might agree to this and some might not. But wherever we stand in life, we should always remember that we must fight for what we think is right and moral; and continue to flourish as one society and Filipinos with great value.