MANILA, Philippines – More Filipinos are supporting the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.
Citing a survey done by the Holy Name University in Bohol, the SWS said majority or 53 percent of Boholanons favor the bill while 17 percent are against it, for a net rating of +36.
The survey was conducted last April 17 to May 13, using face-to-face interviews with 400 adults.
The survey found that 46 percent of the respondents agree that there is a population growth problem in Bohol and that this increases poverty incidence (54 percent) and worsens environmental degradation (43 percent).
Eighty-four percent of the respondents agree that students aged 15 to 24 should be given adolescent health education in school as well as family planning information and services (75 percent).
Fifty-seven percent disagree that the use of condom, IUD (55 percent) and pills (55 percent) is considered as means of abortion.
Forty-eight percent believe that the Church interferes in the government program on reproductive health, the survey showed.
House Bill 5043, or the proposed Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood, and Population Development Act of 2008, makes artificial contraceptives more accessible to the public through health programs and calls for sex education in schools, among others.
The Catholic Church, which counts over 80 percent of Filipinos as followers, has said the bill, which has been pending in Congress for months, is headed for defeat after a high-profile campaign by the bishops.
But Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the main authors of the bill, said there are now 130 congressmen who are supporting the measure.
Lagman said 24 more lawmakers have pledged to vote for the RH Bill “despite their being not overt signatories.”
The country’s population now stands at around 90 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.04 percent, one of the highest in Asia and above the government’s target of 1.9 percent. –Helen Flores, Philippine Star
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
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Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
