The aforesaid provision also involves the moral obligation of the attending
physician whois obliged to administer proper medical treatment. Thebill allows the
physician to violate the Hypocratic Oath taken by all persons who are admitted to the
medical profession and swear to protect the life of their patients. The provision
makes the physician criminallyliable under Article 253 of the Revised Penal Code for
giving assistanceto suicide.
Section 4 (8) ofthebill also allowsthe patient to terminate his life evenif it is
contrary to his religious belief. This provision destroys and degrades the sacredness
of religion and the basicrightsofreligious freedom.
The Commission on HumanRights issues this advisory for all concerned of
the grave consequence of Section 4 (7 & 8) of the bill as morally unacceptable and
violates the dignity of the humanperson.
QuezonCity, August 22, 2000.
(originallysigned)
.
AURORA P. NAVARETE- RECINA
Chairperson
Lagree with Comm. Danenberg.
Let's get somescientific/medical
knowledgeonthe issuefirst.
NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC
Commissioner
(originally signed)
VICENTEP. SIBULO
Commissioner
36
(with separate opinion)
MERCEDES V. CONTRERAS-DANENBERG
Commissioner
(originallysigned)
JORGE R. COQUIA
Commissioner