Philippine: Aquino backs birth control despite catholic church opposition.

Text of report in English by Philippine newspaper Philippine Daily Inquirer website on 28 September; subheads as published

[Report by Norman Bordadora, Jocelyn R. Uy and Inquirer Research: "Aquino Bucks Church, Backs Birth Control"]

SAN FRANCISCO - President Benigno Aquino III served notice he may give assistance to Filipino couples needing contraceptives if that is what they want, instantly provoking a Catholic Church leader to accuse him of "selling out the Filipino soul" for American dollars.

Speaking in a satellite television interview on Sunday (Monday in Manila) with members of Filipino communities around the world, Mr Aquino stressed the number of children a couple had was a matter of personal choice.

"I think the government is obligated to inform everybody of the responsibilities of their choices. At the end of the day, government might provide assistance to those who are without means if they want to employ a particular method," Mr Aquino said at a town hall meeting with Filipino expatriates here.