MANILA -- Authors of the controversial reproductive health (RH) measure in the House of Representatives welcomed the support of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on the bill now pending for approval in second reading.
“We welcome the INC's statement of support for the RH bill. This support shows that the RH debate is not about morality and that not all faiths are anti-RH,” Akbayan party-list Representative Kaka Bag-ao, one of the bill’s authors, said in a text message.
Gabriela Representative Emmi De Jesus hopes that the INC can help in information dissemination on the provisions of the bill which, she said, can be beneficial to women, especially those in the marginalized sector.
In a letter sent to House Committee on Population and Family Relations chairman Rogelio Espina (Biliran), INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo said they consider it "commendable" that lawmakers are taking a stand, through RH, to alleviate the struggles of poor Filipinos.
Unlike the Catholic Church, the INC favors the use of artificial contraceptives, as long as such methods are not considered abortifacients. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)