Thousands gather for anti-RH Bill rally

CEBU, Philippines -  A day before President Benigno Aquino delivers his State of the Nation Address, pro-life advocates in Cebu reiterated their strong opposition against the RH Bill yesterday.

All clad in red, close to 2,000 members of the Roman Catholic Church in Cebu held another prayer rally called the Solidarity Family Prayer Rally for Faith and Life.

The afternoon rally, which was concluded with a 5 p.m. mass officiated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, was highlighted with talks from former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, and Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, both pro-life advocates.

Dr. Rene Bullecer, country director of Human Life International, said the rally was meant to send a message to President Benigno Aquino before he delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“We believe na ma-incorporate niya ang RH Bill sa iyang agenda. Even though we’re here in Cebu, we want to send a message to him that Cebuanos are really totally against RH Bill and Divorce Bill,” Bullecer said.

“We have to remind him that we are his boss. Siya dapat ang maminaw sa atong tingog,” he added.

The crowd was composed of leaders and members of the different organization - religious groups, congregations or priests and nuns, different parishes, students, and the general public in Cebu.

Bullecer said they were clad in red, a color that symbolizes life (blood) and courage.

Atienza, who flew from Manila for the activity, said in his 30-minute talk that a good government is the real solution to the booming population in the country.

“Definitely not destroying the womb of a mother and preventing the birth of a child. Pag-na-approve ang RH Bill, umpisa na ng pagsira ng bawat sinapupunan ng ina dahil sa maling pamamaraan ng gobyerno,” the former mayor said.

He said he was here in Cebu after hearing reports that the Filipinos, including the Cebuanos, are pro-RH Bill.

“Ngayon tatanungin ko kayo, are you in favor of the RH Bill?” The crowd answered Atienza with a loud “No”.

“Panahon na para umunlad ang Pilipinas na may paniniwala sa Diyos,” Atienza concluded.

Macalintal, for his part, said the final consolidated House Bill 4244 now known as the RH Bill is a deceptive bill.

“The title is a total deception to Catholics. It is intended to prevent a child to come out alive. They want to make an impression that pregnancy is a disease. Huwag kayo palilinlang,” Macalintal told the crowd.

The pro-life lawyer ended his speech by shouting to the crowd his commitment to fight and oppose both the RH bill and the Divorce bill in the country.

Palma’s homily entirely touched on the RH Bill issue.

The Archbishop recalled sentiments from some people, saying not to include God in the discussion of the bill, which is allegedly only the matter of the government. (FREEMAN)