LOCAL resolutions supporting the passage of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill at the national level are "unnecessary," said the Davao City Council committee on civil, political, and human rights chair.

Councilor Karlo Bello said he respects the people who are airing opinions; however, he also sees that the two resolutions proposed by committee on women, children, and family relations chair Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad are not necessary.

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Bello, a member of Librado's committee, said whether or not the City Council passes a resolution supporting the pending RH house bill, "this will not be the basis of its (the bill's) passage at the national level. It is not a requirement."

Bello added that the city's provisions for family planning "is enough."

"Even the resolution creating the reproductive health care clinic under the City Health Office (CHO) is not necessary. I think the CHO's programs are enough for the city," said Bello in an interview after Wednesday's Media Hour forum.

However, when asked about Councilor Teresita Mata-Marañon's strong opposition to the passage of Trinidad's resolutions, Bello said he does not agree with his colleague's arguments.

Marañon consistently argued in and out of the council session her opposition to the RH Bill and passage of a resolution expressing support for it.

Bello said although it is arguable that passing an RH law has continuously failed for decades due to the opposition of the Church, it is also arguable that the Church has "failed to overcome overpopulation and its ill effects."

"There are those advocates against the passage of the RH bill who claim that the policy of the Church failed to overcome population and its ill effects," Bello said without elaborating.

Bello added that although Marañon argues for support to Catholic teaching on family planning, the City has already included this in its family planning program.

"Isa naman yun talaga sa options na ibinibigay sa mga tao. The city does not curtail the same but rather includes it as an option along with the artificial family planning methods," Bello said.

In Tuesday's session, pro and con arguments were well represented, as "Yes" and "No" to RH Bill supporters took either side of the audience seats of the session hall wearing "Yes to RH Bill" and "No to RH Bill" signs.

In their privilege speeches, Councilors Teresita Mata- Marañon and resolution proponent Angela Librado-Trininad were given 10 minutes each to air their points.

Maraon reiterated that the bill is anti-life and is against the Catholic faith. "RH is anti-life. The bill's provision on 'Management of Post Abortion Complication' is condoning abortion in the guise of health. These are the very words used in countries that promote abortion."

Librado said the bill will be to the disadvantage of the city. "This ordinance on RH will allow the citizens to have the advantage of having a definite local health policy. By supporting the bill, we will be one with the country in admitting there is a problem that needs to be addressed and religious freedom and the freedom of choice will be respected and fulfilled," Librado said. (JCZ)