Buhay partylist solon says ‘anti-life’ bills to be blocked in House

Buhay partylist congressman-elect Lito Atienza . INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Buhay partylist congressman-elect Lito Atienza on Wednesday said he would block all “anti-life” measures that would be deliberated on at the 16th Congress.

“We will oppose anti-life bills,” said Atienza to reporters in a chance interview outside the Speaker’s Social Hall.

Forty partylist lawmakers were sworn in as members of the House of Representatives by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The oathtaking ceremony started 10 a.m. and were done in five batches, House staff said.

Atienza said that they were assured of a third seat in the House.

This meant that aside from Atienza, Buhay partylist will have two more representatives: Irwin Tieng and Michael Velarde Jr.

Buhay partylist is eyeing a spot within the majority bloc, added Atienza.

He said that he has also spoken to Belmonte, a long-time friend of his, about possibly heading a House committee.