A commentator over at Bloomberg is suggesting that the real problem facing the poor of the Philippines is that they’re having too many babies. And he blames the Church.

So, of course, he has a latex solution:

“The most unprepossessing candidate for the Holy Grail of prosperity is seven inches of latex: a condom,” Easterly, a former World Bank official, wrote in his 2002 book “The Elusive Quest for Growth.”

The Philippine population will increase at a rate of 200 babies each hour this year, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board. Romulo Virola, the board’s secretary-general, offers three reasons for such rapid growth: limited access to modern family planning methods; children’s role in family businesses; and guidance from the church.

One could argue the Philippines may be set for a demographic dividend. According to Bloomberg data, 35 percent of Filipinos are younger than 15. Contrast that with aging Japan, where just 14 percent are in that age group. Demographically, the Philippines would have more in common with India than China.

Swelling ranks of young workers are only a plus when an economy utilizes them. While industries such as outsourcing, tourism and mining may provide more jobs, the Philippines should be doing more to create opportunities. Sadly, its strategy seems to be shipping an ever-growing number of workers overseas.

It’s an unsustainable policy. Exporting so many workers will at some point hurt the economy. It also takes pressure off the government to do its job and clean up its act.

Again, the point of this column isn’t to denigrate religious beliefs. It’s that 7.3 percent growth in 2007 means little if a nation’s ever-expanding masses aren’t feeling it. Greater access to modern family-planning methods, including 7 inches (17.8 centimeters) of latex, would help stretch the benefits of economic growth.

You can read more at the link.

I’m sure some will consider his arguments, um, a stretch.