Cebu laity to press Noynoy on RH bill

Though they enjoy the support of the majority of Cebu’s lawmakers and officials, opponents of the Reproductive Health (RH) bill aren’t taking any chances.

Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, Human Life International director, said a “Solidarity March for Life” will be held in Cebu City on July 23, two days before President Benigno Aquino III delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“We want to deliver a strong message to the President. We are united. Cebu is one in the fight against the RH bill,” Bullecer told Cebu Daily News.

The anti-RH bill rally is expected to gather a large crowd, which includes Cebu’s local government leaders.

Last March, 5,000 people joined the “Walk for Life” along the main streets of Cebu City to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral to manifest opposition to the RH bill.

Bullecer said organizers  are expecting more participants in next month’s activity.

The pro-life walk will start at the Cebu Capitol and will end either at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral or the Cebu Sports Center.

Participants will be asked to pledge to  oppose the bill and defend life.

“We want to show that the fight against the RH bill can be sustained,” Bullecer said.

Bullecer said he was happy that most of Cebu’s congressmen and province leaders have come out  against the RH bill.

“There is practically no hindrance in our fight against the RH bill here in Cebu,” he said.

Except for Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district, all other  eight congressmen in Cebu said they  opposed the bill.

Bullecer said he was happy with the outcome of the luncheon with Archbishop Jose Palma last Friday.

“We are very delighted. We hope the event galvanized our stand (against the RH bill). We hope it will inspire provinces,” he said.

Msgr. Esteban Binghay, episcopal vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said the Church is elated that local government leaders in Cebu opposed the RH bill.

“We are very happy they understand that the Church does not want to impose its views. Instead, we want to uphold the truth. The laws of God is what the Church proclaims,” Binghay said.

He said provisions of the RH bill are “immoral and illegal.”

The bill mandates the government to procure and distribute contraceptives and other family planning supplies to local government units  in the whole country.

It also requires sex education in schools from grade 5 to high school.Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol