The Philippine parliament agreed to cut 200 million pesos (U.S. $4.55 million) from the health ministry’s 2011 budget, The Associated Press (AP) reports. In the past, such funds have provided free condoms and family planning services to poor people. The Senate majority leader Vicente Sotto said the funds were cut because condoms and other contraceptives violate the constitution. President Benigno Aquino supports a separate reproductive health bill, which is currently being debated in parliament, but the Roman Catholic Church contests government distribution of contraceptives.

To read the AP article, click here.