Solon pushes for multi-sectoral consoltation on RH bill

A lawmaker on Friday urged for a multi-sectoral dialogue on the reproductive health (RH) bill to help settle the controversial issue.

In a radio interview, Sen. Edgardo J. Angara said that the RH bill “should be discussed in an open, rational manner,” while at the same time appealed “to the church to avoid making hasty judgments against the proponents of the controversial bill, while also asking those in favor to refrain from insulting the church.”

The Catholic church has recently kept quiet about the issue pending a scheduled dialogue with Malacañang. A comment by an official from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines implying excommunication threats against President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino following the chief executive’s stand to allow couples to use contraceptives stirred a hornet’s nest.

Last Wednesday, the Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senate Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III took to task the Department of Health for a P400 million component in next year’s budget allocated for artificial contraceptives, a line item which Health officials say have been in place for several years.

“In my opinion, having an honest to goodness dialogue about this controversy is a step in the right direction. However, when one side simply refuses to listen to the other, it becomes counterproductive,” Mr. Angara said.

“We must conduct a multi-sector consultation and arrange for a proper, balanced dialogue so that the people are able to hear all of the arguments,” Mr. Angara added.

Excommunication threats should also play no part in the discussion according to Mr. Angara.

“Simply put, excommunication shouldn’t be an issue yet, since we’re still trying to consider all the possible repercussions of this bill for different groups,” Mr. Angara said.

“At this stage, mentioning such a severe penalty becomes a very effective debate-stopper,” Mr. Angara added.

Albay Rep. (1st district) and Minority Leader Edcel C. Lagman refilled the RH bill at the House of Representatives as House Bill 96 while Senator Miriam Santiago filed Senate Bill no. 2378. — JBFS, Businessworld