MANILA, Philippines — While some sectors take the population volume in the negative, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said this has served the country well.

The Vice President called on doctors “to remain steadfast and bold against worldwide threats to life” in his message for the 66th Induction Ball of the Tau Mu Sigma Phi-Thomasian Medical Students Fraternity held recently at a hotel in Manila.

“Our ideals are assailed as outdated because we are poor. Yes, we are a poor nation but we shall not remain so forever," Binay said in his message that was delivered by a representative from his office.

“As we resolutely blaze our path to progress, we draw strength from each life that springs forth and welcome the birth of new minds and hearts," he said.

He noted that "while nations shiver in the demographic winters and financial crises that plague them, our population especially overseas, has driven our nation’s growth at full speed.”

“The nation’s soul remains rooted in what gives it life and if we continue to live our creed, true prosperity is a sweet inevitability," he said.

He condemned the belief of other countries that babies are "nothing more than mouths to feed."

“While even the most austere homes in our Philippines celebrate the arrival of each child with great joy, countries around the globe now look at babies as nothing more than mouths to feed and unnecessary strains to their economies and social welfare systems," he said.

“Our people remain strong against such assaults and indeed, our very souls recoil when we read accounts of how babies who have yet to open their eyes are abandoned to breathe their last, expiring amidst yesterday’s refuse.

Like President Benigno S. Aquino III, Binay had batted for a freedom of choice on the reproductive health issue. But definitely, Binay said that he is against abortion.