Manila - Senator Jinggoy Estrada has called upon the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to make a strong statement against abortion, linking this action to the reconsideration of the Commission's proposed budget for 2024. This development follows the deferral of the CHR's PHP934-million budget during the Senate's plenary debates on Tuesday, a decision influenced by a previous statement from CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia supporting the decriminalization of abortion.
According to Philippines News Agency, who sponsored the budget, de Guia should either resign or the Commission should issue a statement to rectify their earlier stance. Estrada highlighted that abortion is not only frowned upon by the Catholic Church and other religious denominations but is also against Philippine laws. He noted that de Guia's statement, made years ago while she was the CHR spokesperson, cannot be considered a personal view due to her official position. Since the budget deferment, Estrada mentioned that he has been waiting for the CHR to reach out to his office, warning that the budget's approval could remain pending indefinitely. Estrada also expressed gratitude to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano for bringing up the issue, stating that it was otherwise unknown to him that a government agency espoused abortion. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Majority Joel Villanueva have also voiced their opposition to abortion.