Duterte reiterates need for 3-child rule, family planning programs

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Monday maintained his position that a three-child rule will help improve the country’s economic growth.

In his speech during his last flag-raising ceremony as mayor of Davao City, Duterte pronounced that he would bring back the family planning program in the Philippines.

“I will reinstall the program of family planning. Three—tama na ‘yan. So mga social workers, you must be proactive,” he said.

He even said in jest that those violating the rule would have their reproductive organs dismembered.

A vocal reproductive health advocate, Duterte has acknowledged that he and the Catholic Church have opposing views on family planning.

About 80 percent of the Philippines’ 100 million population are Catholics.

“Better shape up. Huwag na muna ‘yang simbahan. Away kami diyan eh. Noon pa ‘yan eh,” he said.

“I am not particularly referring to any Scripture or literature or whatnot. Those were written 3,000 years ago. Ano ba ang pakialam natin sa kanilang pinagsusulat?” he said.

Duterte has been known as a staunch critic of the Church. In earlier reports, he was quoted as saying that what the Bible teaches or what religion says is no longer relevant in today's society. 

"Parang hindi na totoo 'yun. Kwento lang 'yun," he said.

Duterte reiterated that his stance on family planning, as well as on death penalty and corruption, would improve the country’s economy and encourage investors to come in.

“If the situation of the country improves, it will also improve your quality in life. Just make this country peaceful and we will have investment coming in,” he said.

He added, “Ang atin ay value ng ating economy. Ano ang worth mo sa economy? Is there any movement fast enough to sustain economic growth?” —Kiersnerr Gerwin Tacadena/KG, GMA News