Noy's RH support seen vital to passage

MANILA, Philippines - Former party-list representative Risa Hontiveros is optimistic that the support of President Aquino for the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill will pave the way for the passage of the measure in both houses of Congress, which are jointly conducting deliberations on the bill.

Hontiveros told reporters in a news forum at Rembrandt hotel in Quezon City that at least 100 lawmakers co-authored House Bill 4244.

It is still uncertain how many senators would vote for the passage of the counterpart bill in the Senate.

She said RH advocates believe that the President’s support may play a vital role in the eventual passage of the bill in the Upper Chamber.

“If possible, we will conduct a one-on-one campaign in the Senate to get the necessary votes,” she added.

Hontiveros said the concerns of anti-RH bill about abortion and the penal provision of the proposed measure have already been answered with a medical report that contraceptive pills are not abortive.

She added that a United Nations report that 11 mothers die every day due to childbirth and other pregnancy-related complications must be taken seriously.

Hontiveros said even if the President did certify the proposed measure as urgent, his expression of support is a big boost to the campaign they are waging for the approval of the bill.

“We are optimistic that the proposed measure will be approved before the year ends,” she said.