The upcoming 2013 elections is expected to influence some pro-legislators to shift their stand on the controversial family planning measure pending at the House of Representatives, said a Cebu congressman.
More legislators are expected to show their opposition against the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, said Rep. Pablo Garcia (Cebu 2nd district) in a press conference.
“I have a feeling that the numbers of those who opposed the RH Bill will increase. Even those who signed the bill as co-authors have shifted because the election is coming. They don’t want that their stand as pro-RH Bill will hinder them from getting votes,” he said.
Out of close to 300 Philippine legislators, 135 consider themselves as pro-life advocates while RH bill supporters were counted to 108. The remaining haven’t made their stand yet.
Garcia however refused to name the legislators who have changed their stand.
When the congressional session opened last Monday, pro-life activists were present to show their stand against the bill.
Youth groups including the Federation of the National Youth Organizations, Youth Pinoy, CFC Youth for Christ, Singles for Christ, the Columbian Squires and UP for Life have assured their support to nine legislators including two from Cebu: Rep. Cutie Del Mar (Cebu City North District) and Rep. Luigi Quisumbing (Cebu 6th District).
Garcia said he’s confident that the discussion of the RH Bill would sail on to the next session.
“There are more important bills to tackle, like the sin tax, which we are hoping to pass in the Ways and Means (committee). We are waiting for its approval before the adjournment,” he told reporters.