It’s purple vs red as Senate prepares to put RH bill to a vote on 2nd reading

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines –   Supporters  and critics of  the  controversial Reproductive  Health  bill wearing  purple  and  red, respectively,  filled the  gallery of the session  hall of the Senate on Monday as it  prepares to put the measure to a vote on second reading.

All three women senators – Pia Cayetano , Miriam Defensor-Santiago, and Loren  Legarda – were  also wearing  violet  tops  to show their support for the bill.

Among  those spotted  inside the  session hall were  Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, Bishop Jesse Mercado, former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad and former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza – all against the  RH bill.

But Senate Majority Leader  Vicente  “Tito” Sotto III  said he would first  introduce 37 amendments  in  the bill before it is put into a vote.

Santiago earlier  predicted between  11 to 13 votes for the  bill while Senator Panfilo Lacson counted  at least 10, including  him,  in favor of the measure.

The 10 are Senators Pia Cayetano, Santiago, Loren Legarda,  Lacson, Alan Peter Cayetano, Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr., Serge Osmeña III, Franklin Drilon, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Teofisto Guingona III

Based on his own count, Lacson said  seven senators might vote against the bill and they were Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile,  Senate Pro-Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada,  Majority leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senators Gringo Honasan, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III,  Ramon “Bon” Revilla Jr., and  Lito Lapid.

He said the  wild cards would be Senators Joker Arroyo,  Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Edgardo Angara, Ralph Recto,  Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and Manuel “Manny” Villar.