Catholics mass up against RH bill

WITH prayer as its fortress, the faithful of the Catholic Church will converge on the streets this afternoon to express opposition to the controversial Reproductive Health bill.

In Cebu, Archbishop Jose Palma will lead the “Solidarity March and Mass for Life Against the RH Bill” which starts at Fuente Osmena at around 5:30 p.m.

Palma, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, is also expected to preside over the Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in downtown Cebu City at 7 pm.

About 13 other cities in the country will hold simultaneous anti-RH bill rallies today.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, a known anti-RH advocate, is hoping to attend today’s activity amid her busy schedule.

Garcia reiterated her stand against the RH bill which she said is unnecessary.

“We are a Catholic nation. Even before we became public officials, we are always baptized as Catholics and I have been a practicing Catholic,” Garcia said.

Cebu City south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña, while supporting the bill is taking a compromise.

“I told Raul, I am in favor of the RH bill, but I value our alliance more, so I will just abstain,” Osmeña said.

On Aug. 7, the House of Representatives will decide to open final deliberation of the proposed law. They will decide whether to continue floor debates or put the measure to a vote.

Although pro-life advocates believed they have the number in Congress to block passage of the measure, they are not putting their guard down especially with the perceived support of the president to the measure.

“Maybe, Malacañang will use its influence to win back dozens of congressmen,” said Dr. Rene Bullecer, country director of Human Life International.

During his Statement of the Nation Address last July 23, President Benigno Aquino III mentioned about “responsible parenthood” as the answer to the increasing number of students in schools.

Pro-life advocates take this to mean as a veiled signal to Congress the RH bill is one of his priority legislation.

The RH bill or the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 is a consolidated bill awaiting approval from the House of Representative and the Senate.