Advocates see RH bill passed next year

MANILA, Philippines - Advocates of the reproductive health (RH) bill said yesterday they expect members of both houses of Congress to pass the bill by next year, despite efforts by the Catholic Church to block its passage, though those opposed to the bill see the delay as a victory.

“We are very certain, the RH bill will become a law next year,” Ramon San Pascual, Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) executive director, said.

Last week, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile admitted it would already be impossible to have the RH bill passed this year. Versions of the RH bill have been pending in Congress for the past 10 years.

San Pascual said the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines is aware that President Aquino supports responsible parenthood and reproductive health. “The CBCP is desperate, for it knows that when voting comes, the RH bill will be passed not only in the House of Representatives but also in the Senate,” he said.

According to San Pascual, reproductive health advocates appreciate that Aquino is giving much attention over the passage of the proposal. He said Aquino knows that the proposed measure would help resolve the country’s maternal and infant health issues and poverty and thus cannot be swayed by pressure from the CBCP.

Meanwhile, Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines national chair Elizabeth Angsioco said the CBCP’s call for the President not to rush the passage of the bill suggests that the bill will be passed.

On the other hand, Pro-Life Philippines president Eric Manalang said they have been “victorious in our war” against the RH bill, which promotes the use of artificial contraceptives and sex education. He said they will continue to fight to keep the RH bill from being passed into law.