RH bill worse than Martial law--ex-Manila mayor

MANILA, Philippines - The Reproductive Health bill should not be passed by Congress because it is "unconstitutional" and "anti-life ", former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza said today.

Speaking before a weekly media forum in Greenhills, San Juan City, Atienza said the proposed measure compels women to take drugs that would destroy their bodies.

"Local government officials would be removed from office if they would not implement it," he added.

Congressmen who support the passage of the measure would be expecting an extra P10 million on their countrywide development fund or pork barrel, Atienza said.

"It will be P10 million more to what I call their condom development fund," he said, citing a provision in the statute.

People who would not practice the contraception stand to be jailed from one to six months, Atienza said.

"This is worse than Martial Law," he noted.

He expects that the controversial bill would be passed at the House of Representatives as the Speaker himself has already expressed support for the measure.

"It would have probably have a fairer deal in the Senate," Atienza said.

If the bill passes, anti-RH bill advocates would be going to the courts to question its legality.

"The next battle will be in the courts," he said. Video by John Nulud/Philstar.com Trainee