Enrile sees 9-8 vote against RH bill in Senate

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

MANILA, Philippines– Nine senators have allegedly committed to vote against the controversial Reproductive Health bill while only eight have committed to vote for it, Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile disclosed Thursday.

The remaining six of 23 senators, Enrile said, are still “weighing” their position on the bill.

“What I know is that nine are committed antis and eight are committed pros,” he told reporters.

Enrile, who openly opposed the bill, declined to identify the senators who are either for or against the bill.

But asked if the six undecided colleagues are seeking re-election in 2013 senatorial race, the Senate leader gave a hearty laugh.

Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada on the other hand had a different headcount on how the senators will vote on the bill.

Based on his own information, Estrada said 10 senators will vote against the bill and 10 senators will vote for its approval.

Only three, he said, remained undecided.

Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier said 14 will vote in favor of the bill.