MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Population (PopCom) reminded the public condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted disease (STDs) like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

PopCom executive director Juan Antonio Perez III made the statement on Monday, February 19, about a week after President Rodrigo Duterte told overseas Filipino workers from Kuwait not to use condoms because these “aren’t pleasurable."

According to Perez, a person’s choice of a family planning method to avail of does depend on the preferences of the user, “and this may be influenced by one’s experience with the use of condoms."

“For example, the President’s own experience with condoms may be the reason for his stated preference, and this cannot be subject to debate," said Perez.

But the PopCom chief maintained practically speaking, condoms are the “preferred” family planning method to avoid STDs. (READ: Lack of condom use contributes to rising HIV infections in PH)