Province and church leaders, civil society galvanize presence against RH Bill

CEBU, Philippines - Several government officials and church leaders gathered over lunch yesterday to establish their presence in the fight against the controversial Reproductive Health Bill.

Leading the gathering were Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

Other prominent personalities present were former governor and now Cebu Second District Rep. Pablo Garcia, Cebu Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, Cebu Fifth District Rep. Red Durano, Cebu Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, Talisay Mayor Socrates Fernandez and Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong.

Former Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar was also present. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama confirmed attendance, but was eventually unable to attend owing to delays in his out-of-town trip.

Msgr. Aquilles Dakay, media liaison officer of the Cebu Archdiocese; Rene Bullecer of Human Life International; a representative of former senator Tito Sotto and other members of the civil society also supported the gathering.

“This bill is evil. It’s against God, family and religion. It’s the biggest swindle in history!” said Pablo in a speech. The governor, meanwhile, said she will be speaking with other leaders across the province to join the campaign against the bill.

Palma, for his part, said the support shown by local officials is very overwhelming and makes stronger the national voice against the passing of the bill.

Proponents of the Reproductive Health Bill said the proposed legislation aims to give Filipinos secured access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care. Since overpopulation results to poverty, birth-control may be the solution to poverty, they said.

But those against it argued, among other things, that the use of birth-control pills also prevents conception or the implantation of the embryo to the uterus. Some birth control pills also prevent the fertilized egg from attaching itself to the wall of the uterus, killing the embryo before it can develop. This is reportedly technically a form of abortion. — (FREEMAN)