Pro, anti-RH bill groups in show of force in House deliberation

Anti-RH group observes session PHOTO BY KAREN BONCOCAN

MANILA, Philippines—Groups supporting and opposing the passage of the reproductive health bill on Tuesday flocked to the House of Representatives, which is set to put the measure to a vote Wednesday.

Church groups, led by several bishops and archbishops, filled three levels at the left side of the gallery at plenary while pro-RH groups sat at the right wing of the gallery to monitor deliberations on amendments proposed for the measure.

The groups chimed in during viva voce voting on proposed amendments, in an attempt to help the side they were on in gaining more votes.

At some point, Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III started reminding the audience to refrain from clapping, voicing their sentiments or chiming in while lawmakers cast their votes.

The Catholic Church earlier vowed to turn up in Wednesday’s session in a show of force.

The legislators reached page 12 of the 27-page bill before session was adjourned Tuesday.

And with voting expected on Wednesday, the leadership of the Liberal Party met with some of its members from the lower chamber of Congress and urged that they vote for the controversial bill, which President Aquino supports.