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.