RH bloc confident of 'green light'

Monday, December 12, 2011

DESPITE concerted efforts blocking the Reproductive Health (RH) bill, advocates of the measure are keeping hopes high in getting the bill voted and duly passed.

Ramon San Pascual, Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation (PLCPD) executive director, believes that "deliberate acts" against the bill is so not working, despite objection from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

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"CBCP fully knows that the President [Benigno Aquino III] is supportive of responsible parenthood and reproductive health and is fully aware of former legislations on RH that has been pending for more than 10 years. CBCP is desperate for it knows that when voting comes, the RH bill will be passed not only in the House of Representatives but also in the Senate," said San Pascual in a statement.

He lauded the attention given by Aquino on the bill, saying: "Now that we have a determined President who understands that a law on RH will help resolve the country's maternal and infant health and poverty issue and one that cannot be swayed by CBCB's uncalled for pressure, the passage of the RH bill is imminent."

"It is time for the Congress leadership to look into the matter seriously," he added, citing even Aquino wants the voting on the bill to happen soon.

"It is now their job to see to it that the bill reach the voting. After all, even the Speaker of the House attests on the repetitive questioning of his colleagues to delay the measure," San Pascual said.

Elizabeth Angsioco of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) also expressed the same sentiment, as she appealed to those blocking the bill to “stop the mockery of the country's democracy.”

Angsioco decried how the bishops allegedly want to impose the Church’s dogma "by dictating how citizens should live their lives and how Congress should work."

"The RH bill has been pending in Congress for more than 10 years… How can more than 10 years of never ending debates be labeled as rushing?" she asked.

The RH bill remains pending for second reading approval in the House of Representatives.