Dialogue on RH bill useless, more bishops agree

MANILA, Philippines—More Catholic bishops echoed their concurrence to a call made by Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal to stop further talks between the Church and Malacañang on the reproductive health (RH) bill since President Aquino has already made up his mind on the issue.

Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said over the Church-run Radio Veritas that it would be difficult for the Church to push through with the dialogues with Malacañang because President Benigno Aquino III has categorically endorsed the controversial family planning measure.

“He will be endorsing the approval of the RH bill, so what’s the need for the dialogue,” said Bagaforo.

But should the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines continue with its dialogue, “maybe what they can talk about is whether the President would still change his mind or not,” he pointed out.

“That’s why I agree with Cardinal Vidal that there’s no more point for a dialogue,” he added.