Groups want RHB as Christmas gift

CEBU, Philippines -  Mothers and youth advocates gathered at the office of Councilor Alvin Dizon yesterday morning to launch the Purple Day of Action to show their support to the passing of the Reproductive Health Bill before Christmas.

The nationally coordinated activity was led by the leaders of Akbayan Partylist, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Akbayan Youth and the Alliance of Progressive Labor Cebu who united to remind both the Senate and Congress to pass this legislation.

According to Akbayan Partylist spokesman Mikay Dumabok, the main reason why they want the law to be passed, is to lessen maternal deaths.  He said some specialists said eleven mothers die every day while giving birth.

He also added that if maternal deaths continually increase, Christmas will not be so merry given the number of absent mothers.

Shyne Embalzado of Akbayan Women’s Caucus said that they made purple star-shaped lanterns with the message “Gusto ko happy ka, RH Bill ipasar na!” which is based on Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s 2007 campaign.

According to Embalzado, they chose the color purple because it signifies two things which most women are usually deal with: pain and pleasure.

She added that when a woman is hit, the hemoglobin inside the blood changes after several days and the bruise turns bluish-purple; and when a woman experiences sexual pleasure, a certain part of her organ also turns into a dark purple.

With this, they encourage every single household to put up a purple lantern outside their house as a means of supporting the campaign in its immediate passage.

Different youth groups in Cebu also supported the measure saying that the RH Bill is for their mothers and those people who love their mothers as well.

“For me, Christmas is not complete without my mother. Kulang ang akong pasko kung wala akong mama dungan namo og kaon sa Noche Buena,” Guian Godofredo of SCAP said.

However, the Senate and House of Representatives are still delaying their decisions on the controversial bill.

Dumabok then added that with the help of the president, the group is still confident enough that they have numbers in Congress.

He also said that RH Bill is not pro–abortion, anti–life, and does not promote promiscuity among the youth.  They just want it to be passed in order for Filipino mothers to have equal rights.

According to the advocacy groups, passing the RH Bill on or before Christmas is the best gift they want to receive.

The group will start distributing purple lanterns next week to the congressmen, and other political parties and local communities as well to encourage everyone regarding their goal in having a purple Christmas.   (FREEMAN)