MANILA, Philippines – Bent on getting as much support for the measure, proponents of the Reproductive Health bill in the House of Representatives are holding a dialogue with several bishops ahead of the expected debates in the chamber.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman and Akbayan partylist Representative Risa Hontiveros will meet with six bishops on Thursday led by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.

Ledesma is known for his liberal stance on reproductive health and engagement with the national government on the issue.

Hontiveros said Ledesma was contacted to set up the dialogue.

Hontiveros said she believed that there was still time to pass the measure if Congress wanted it.

Speaker Prospero Nograles has instructed the creation of two panels of lawmakers who would debate the issue in plenary once session resumes on November 9.

House Bill 5043 or the proposed Reproductive Health and Population Development Act is advocating the use of both natural and artificial birth control and provides for sex education among adolescent and teenage students.