CBCP to convince lawmakers to vote vs RH bill during Congress break

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday said he would take advantage of the congressional break to convince lawmakers from his diocese to vote against the Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

The six-week congressional break started last March 24.

CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Bioethics (ECB) chairman Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said that in the past, the lawmakers from his diocese – which covers Bulacan and Valenzuela City – said they would not support the bill.

Oliveros recognizes, however, that Valenzuela first district Rep. Rex Gatchalian remains undecided on the bill while Valenzuela second district Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo is not a Catholic.

“So we cannot influence him (Magtanggol),” he said.         

CBCP president Tandag, Surigao del Sur Bishop Nereo Odchimar said that as of this time, they cannot predict how lawmakers would vote on the bill.                                                 

“We are still in the midst of our campaign. We don’t know exactly the head count. Both sides are campaigning for their respective positions. The pro-RH and the pro-life are busy in getting legislators to vote on their side. A number of legislators are still undecided,” he said.

CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Juanito Figura said, however, that there are instances when lawmakers would approach a Church official.

He considers this a “good sign.”