Supporters of RH Bill launch nat'l campaign

CEBU, Philippines - Advocates of the Reproductive Health Bill in Cebu gathered yesterday for a preliminary meeting in preparation for a nationwide conference slated March 17.

The advocates said the gathering was meant to disprove the claim of the Catholic Church that majority of Cebuanos are against the proposed legislation and to help Catholics make an informed decision in making a stand on the controversial proposal.

Health workers, members of the academe, representatives from non-government and women’s organizations and even the church attended the gathering at the Cebu City Hall.

Citing a self-commissioned survey, Maricar Vallido of The Forum for Family Planning and Development, Inc., said nine of 10 respondents agree to limit the number of children because doing so would benefit the health of the mother and children themselves.

Ninety-four percent of the respondents in Cebu are reportedly Roman Catholic, 80 percent of whom reportedly said the local government unit should have a policy on reproductive health and family planning.

There were 600 respondents in the survey, male and female, all of whom were of reproductive age.

Vallido said Cebuano representatives should bring the “real voice” of the people in Congress.

Edgar Gahisan, clinical instructor of University of the Philippines-Foundation, also belied the claim of the church that students are against the bill. He alleged that anti-RH groups are simply using students during rallies.

Gahisan challenged church leaders to go deeper into the sentiments of the people.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Barangay Health Workers Association President Emerlinda Abadiano, herself the president of the National Confederation of BHWs, said health workers know the “real sentiments” of the people in the grassroots level and many reportedly support the RH bill.

Present in yesterday’s gathering was Biliran lone district Rep. Rogelio Espina, chairman of the House Committee on Population and Family Relations. Espina delivered the sponsorship speech in Congress last Tuesday. 

He said that hearing the support of different groups in Cebu has made him optimistic that the RH Bill will eventually be passed into law. Proponents of the bill have pushed for its passage for the past 16 years.

The controversial Reproductive Health Care Bill has finally moved a step forward in the House of Representatives plenary.

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Luz Ilagan said a sponsorship speech implies that the bill is now open for debate and interpolation. She said there is a ray of light on the matter, considering that House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte is reportedly supporting the proposed legislation.

The nationwide conference will be beamed via teleconference simultaneous in Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Tacloban.

The RH Bill aims to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. — (FREEMAN)