Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. Photo from congress.gov.ph/
MANILA, Philippines—Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez lost his cool on Monday when House majority leader Neptali Gonzales II moved to terminate debates on the controversial Reproductive Health Bill.
The incensed lawmaker raised his voice in opposing the motion to terminate debates on House Bill 4244, saying that some members were not at the Batasan Complex because the voting was previously scheduled for Tuesday.
“It was announced to all members, in all newspapers, in all media. There is an acceleration to terminate this contrary to all agreements done,” he told lawmakers.
Among other lawmakers, Rodriguez was scheduled to continue his interpellation on the contentious bill.
“We should revert back to the original day! Some are not here!”
“Pregnancy is not a disease! This is an insult to our faith,” said the lawmaker who vowed to vote against the termination of the debates.
“With faith in God, we are going to win on August 7,” he said.
Gonzales explained that his motion was “just a termination of debate,” adding that they had reached a consensus while meeting with President Aquino to vote on Monday instead of Tuesday for fear of rowdy crowds inside the session hall.
“Could you imagine if we vote tomorrow when the gallery is packed? Baka magkabatuhan na dito,” said the majority leader. “August 7 was a suggestion, not a motion. This is not as if nandadaya tayo. There are 230 (lawmakers) present.”