Ayala Alabang villagers hold silent protest over barangay ordinance

From abs-cbnnews.com:

MANILA, Philippines – More than 100 residents of Barangay Ayala Alabang, host to an upscale residential village, launched a silent protest against a local ordinance requiring prescription for contraceptives.

The residents trooped to the Ayala Alabang main gate at the corner of Madrigal Road and Commerce Street to protest Ordinance 1, which prohibits the promotion and purchase of any kind of contraceptive within the barangay without a doctor’s prescription.

“This ordinance is against our constitutional rights,” said Joanne Zapanta, one of the protesters.

Although they said their protest has nothing to do with the controversial Reproductive Health bill, most of those who joined the demonstration said they are in favor of contraceptives.

“Please don’t invade our bedrooms,” said Maricris Davila Cang.

Cang said Ordinance 1 signifies an invasion of a couple’s personal life.

The silent protest lasted from 10 am to 12 noon.

Recently, the residents who support and contradict the controversial ordinance had a heated debate during a public consultation. — With a report from Abner Mercado, ABS-CBN News