Church exec urges vigilance vs RH bill

MANILA, Philippines—A church official on Friday reminded the Catholic faithful to be vigilant as lawmakers continued to discuss the controversial reproductive health measure despite the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“I appeal to prolife supporters to keep watch on the interpellation of the RH bill as it might end up like Corona’s impeachment complaint, which gained 188 signatories without even a discussion,” said Fr. Melvin Castro, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

Over Church-run Radio Veritas, Castro expressed his concern about the RH bill, which seeks to promote sex education from Grade 5 and provide contraceptive pills and condoms to Filipino couples, being railroaded if anti-RH bill advocates did not pay attention.

The priest said that while the Senate was occupied with Corona’s impeachment trial, it was still tackling the RH bill in its morning sessions.

Castro also noted that although there has been “no active interpellation” on the measure at the House of Representatives, those against the bill must continue to be watchful.

“We are not sure how the impeachment complaint against Corona got through without discussion… it might also happen to the RH bill so we should really be on our guard,” said Castro.

On the other hand, Castro said the resignation of Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, the main sponsor of the RH bill, as House minority leader would have no effect on the debates on the measure.

“Whether he is a member of the majority or the minority, he will still push for it,” said Castro, adding that the controversial measure might even gain more supporters if he joined the majority.