Palace insists RH dialogues to continue

MANILA, Philippines -  Malacañang yesterday expressed surprise following reports that Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Nereo Odchimar would pull out from their dialogue with administration officials regarding the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda even recalled that Odchimar had not attended the three meetings that he and other Palace officials conducted with two other bishops and a monsignor.

“Bishop Odchimar was never present in any of the three meetings,” said Lacierda, who identified the church’s representatives as CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Juanito Figura and Bishops Paciano Aniceto of San Fernando, Pampanga and Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus, Cavite.

Lacierda said their meetings with the bishops have so far been “very cordial,” where both parties at times shared “common consensus on several issues,” most especially on the issue regarding abortifacient substances.

“So it’s surprising for us to hear that Bishop Odchimar is considering the possibility of pulling out from the dialogue. But again, we respect them if they decide to do so. It’s unfortunate. But we on the part of the government are willing to continue with the dialogue.” 

“It’s unfortunate. Okay naman ang pag-uusap namin. It’s unfortunate if they choose to leave the dialogue,” he said, noting that the dialogue with the bishops has been an avenue where they share views regarding the controversial measure.

When told that the CBCP was against the railroading of the consolidated RH bill in the House of Representatives where it would now be deliberated in plenary, the Palace official clarified that it was already out of their hands.

“Labas na po kami duon kasi po ay legislative process iyun. So, we told them that straight. If you have concerns with the RH bill, it’s something that you should discuss with Congress,” Lacierda said, citing the proposal of Dr. Bernie Villegas.

“Dr. Villegas said this is not the proper venue to discuss about those things. Let’s lobby before Congress. Iyun po ang naging agreement nila. They agreed that this is not the venue. This is not the proper forum to discuss whether one is abortifacient or not,” he explained.  

Health Secretary Enrique Ona is now drafting the Responsible Parenthood Bill version of President Aquino and the proposed measure would be submitted to Congress after the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council convenes.

The Aquino administration still remains committed to the RH bill though, for as long as both the natural and artificial methods are presented to the public, and that they will not be compelled to choose any, but only if they decide based on their own volition.

“Of course if it is to compel someone, that is totally against the position of the President. If there are provisions to that effect in the RH bill where one is compelled to do an act in violation of his conscience, then that is certainly a provision that is against the position of the President,” he said. 

“And that’s a point where we disagree with. Again, this is a decision of the individual. In fact, the President is of the belief that there should be penal sanctions against those that seek to impose on someone to violate his own conscience,” Lacierda added.

The Palace official said the government intends to provide contraceptives, but only to those who are below the poverty line. “We’ll provide contraception to those who cannot afford it,” he added.