Varied preferences and use of FP methods. In both Marikina and Manila, women prefer pills
over other contraceptives. Some Manilenyas prefer natural FP as opposed to taking
contraceptives. Low participation of men. Accounts from NGOs including Likhaan and
Cooperative Non-Scalpel Vasectomy (CNSV) highlighted how men generally have the
decision-making privilege between spouses on FP and RH, but opt not to use them. There is
much resistance on the use of condoms and undergoing vasectomy. According to Dr. Paraso
of the CNSV, “Sa totoo lang, wala pang program ang DOH for males. Yet…yung decision nasa
lalaki...ang hirap kunin silang participants…Pero meron din siyang culture, hindi lang ang
pagapavasectomy. Nawawala ang pagkalalaki. Walang lalaking pumupunta yet
sumusurrender yong babae sa asawa.”
THE DENIAL AND/OR BARRIERS IN ACCESSING RH
1. WEAK INSTITUTIONAL/ HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY
In Manila, the incapacity of the barangay to implement the RH Law or support the city’s
efforts is a challenge. Among VAW Desks, issues also include:
insufficient seminars/trainings for barangay council and VAW desk volunteers on
RA9262, MCW and related others
lack of seminars/training on proper case handling of VAW cases by barangay VAW
desk officers
lack of regional facility for victims/survivors of human trafficking and gender-based
violence.
2. UNPROFESSIONAL/UNETHICAL HEALTH WORKER PRACTICES
Particular to Manila, health workers note a “Pro-Life” status quo even after the amendment
of EO 003. In Marikina, women seeking PAC are scolded before being rendered the
appropriate services. The CRR further emphasized the widespread practice in NCR of
denying or delaying PAC due to the criminalization of abortion, which includes forcing
women to admit they had abortion before attending to them.
The group Integrated Midwives also raised the hostility of doctors towards them when they
bring emergency cases of pregnancy to the hospitals especially when mothers require
delivery but do not have a medical record with them.
AVAILABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, ADEQUACY AND AFFORDABILITY
SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE/MARGINALIZED WOMEN
OF
RH
1. INSUFFICIENT POLICY RESPONSE FOR VULNERABLE/MARGINALIZED SECTORS
Among women in Poverty. The lack of television or radio among poor households is a
deterrent to proper dissemination of information on RH. The lack of a proper response to
27