MANILA, Philippines -- Saying it has divided the country and has taken away focus from the more important task of addressing the world financial crisis, a lawmaker has proposed that discussions on the Reproductive Health bill at the House of Representatives be deferred.

"The House [of the Representatives) is not in sync with the world financial crisis," Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez said, noting recent developments showing how the local economy has been affected by the global slump.

He said seven Philippine banks have a total exposure of $386 million in banking giant Lehman Brothers, stocks were at their lowest in two-and-a-half months, and the country's market capitalization has been down by 12.5% in just four days since the world financial crisis was first reported.

"Yet the top plenary agenda of the House is the Reproductive Health Bill, which is emerging as the most divisive issue faced by the country since Congress was revived in 1987, when the call should be for unity in the face of a deep financial crisis whose magnitude is yet to be determined," Golez said.

"The House agenda should be redirected to unify, not to divide. We should first fix the financial crisis, repair the budgeting process, then tackle issues like RH," Golez added.

Iloilo Representative Janette Garin, one of the proponents of the RH bill refuted Golez, saying discussions on the measure would be divisive only if some of her colleagues would impose their personal beliefs on the people.

"We, the pro-RH advocates would remain calm despite personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations. We will just defend the bill based on its merits and accept reasonable amendments we feel is agreed upon by the majority members of the House of Representatives," she said in a text message.

Golez said debates on the reproductive health bill have not only driven a wedge between House members, but also among Cabinet members, religious groups and militant and progressive groups, who were before Church allies but whose stand now on the bill contradicted Church position.

On Wednesday, Albay Representative Edcel Lagman was finally able to deliver the first sponsorship speech on House Bill 5043 or An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development.

Several lawmakers will deliver their sponsorship speech next week before the period of interpellation begins.

The bill promotes the use of both artificial and natural means of family planning, among others, which is being opposed by the Catholic Church, religious groups, and even President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.