Pro-life group backs candidacy of Villar

CEBU, Philippines - A group that has been leading in the fight against the controversial Reproductive Health Bill has announced that it is supporting the candidacy of Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Senator Manny Villar.

Human Life International-Philippines (HLI) is firm on its stand of supporting candidates who are against the RH Bill, death penalty and other pro-life issues.    

HLI-Philippines country director Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer said Villar garnered the highest votes during the mock election held during a national summit attended by over 111 leaders from various dioceses across the country.

Bullecer pointed out that they scrutinized all the presidential candidates’ backgrounds and legislative performance.

But he said their support for Villar is not yet final since they still have to consider other candidates. During the mock election, former Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro came close behind Villar.

According to Bullecer, Senator Benigno Aquino and former president Joseph Estrada are among their choices, but Villar and Teodoro gained the highest votes.

He admitted that they initially had Senator Richard Gordon as choice for president but the senator was replaced by Estrada since they wanted someone who already had the experience of running the country.

HLI and the Task Force for Family and Life headed by Douglas Gacasan said although they are supporting Senator Mar Roxas for vice president, they are also considering Senator Loren Legarda, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay and actor Edu Manzano.

For the senatorial candidates, Bullecer said they already have the top five but will be coming up with the other names next month.

The group is already supporting former senator Francisco Tatad, Atty. Jo Imbong, former Senator Franklin Drilon, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former Senator Tito Sotto.

Bullecer also said that from the 129 partylist groups, they decided to support the ABA or Alyansang Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka, Manggagawang-Bukid at Mangingisda led by Rep. Leonardo Montemayor.

“We will push for the RH bill as big issue for the election since a lot of people do not know yet about it and how this would destroy our society, culture, and family. We will campaign the candidates that will support life and families of the Filipinos,” he said.   

Bullecer said they will announce the names of local candidates that they are supporting once the campaign period starts. - AJ de la Torre/LPM (THE FREEMAN)