Tourism and reproductive health

Newly confirmed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez (from ABS-CBN)

WHAT?

Have the members of the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) taken a leave from their senses?

Can they enlighten us, their bosses, about the connection between tourism and reproductive health?  Is a cabinet member’s position on the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill now the determinant for confirmation?  

Or was it mere coincidence that among the questions asked of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez by some CA members was his stance on the RH measure?  Was it also coincidence that Jimenez saw it fit to answer these same questions?

Cathy Yamsuan of the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Jimenez replied: “The proper response is to cite the very first book in the Bible which says when everything started, God created life. Then He created the heavens and the earth.  “Then the animals and when He had all of that, it was then and only then that He brought man into the world.  Our Lord was the very first responsible parent in human history”

Upon hearing this, Senator Vicente Sotto III recommended the approval of Jimenez’ appointment.

Senator Vicente Sotto III

The banter went on as other CA members were apparently not satisfied with Jimenez’ initial answer.  At one point, one of them proposed changing Jimenez’ appointment from Tourism Secretary to Secretary of Health.

These honorable representatives of the people can have their fun but not at our expense!