Senators tackle RH bill first

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has decided after a vote of 11-3 to put the Reproductive Health bill first in the day’s proceedings and set aside the deliberations on the sin tax reform bill.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile made a privilege speech at the start of the day’s proceedings saying that he has been viewed as delaying the passage of the RH bill and made a motion to take it up first “before any other measure pending in the Senate.”

Senate Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III objected to the motion. He said that the sin tax bill can already be finished within the day and it will allow the deliberations of the 2013 budget in the following session.

Senator Ralph Recto however also stated he was ready to propose amendments to the RH bill. Enrile later asked that they vote on his motion to take up the RH Bill first, which was also echoed by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Eleven senators voted in favor of taking up the RH bill first while three voted to continue with the deliberations on the sin tax bill.