RH bill author seeks refilling of measure in 15th Congress

CEBU, Philippines - Akbayan Rep. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel said that there is nothing wrong for government through the Department of Health in giving out free condoms especially among the poor, as a way to prevent the spread of the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS.

Hontiveros-Baraquel, who is one of the proponents of the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, said that giving out of condoms is one of the choices for couple on how to plan the size of their respective families.

“It is the duty of the government to encourage healthy sexual behavior. I believe in giving access to the people na abot-kaya nila. The poor cannot afford to buy condoms. It is just proper for DOH na mamigay ng condom na libre,” Hontiveros-Baraquel said in a press conference yesterday together with some of Cebu City’s barangay officials.

As one of the authors of the RH Bill, not tackled during the 14th Congress, Hontiveros-Baraquel said that if elected as senator in the upcoming elections, she will refile the bill.

“Kung kailangan nating i-amend ‘yung bill then we will amend. But I will have it refiled in the 15th Congress kung mananalo tayo,” she said.

When asked whether she is not afraid of the Catholic Church, which strongly opposes the passage of the bill, she said, “Beyond the church are people. It is the duty of the government to give its people an informed choice on how to plan their family”.

Earlier, Human Life International-Pilipinas is thankful to 25 staunch pro-life congressmen headed by Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar, Cebu City north district representative, for their stand against the passage of the said bill.

“But the war and threats are not over as the bill is expected to be filed again for the fourth time once the 15th Congress convenes by June,” HLI-Pilipinas country director Rene Josef Bullecer said.

The RH Bill, according to its proponents, aims to uphold and promote respect for life, informed choice, birth spacing and responsible parenthood in conformity with internationally recognized human rights standards. — Mitchelle L.  Palaubsanon/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)