Abortion bill won't be entertained, says Speaker Belmonte

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Friday said the House of Representatives will not entertain or tackle a bill legalizing abortion in the country, saying  it "is very far fetched."

"The idea of having an abortion bill is very far-fetched and involves playing God to the unborn which is a role we will not play. It also runs counter to our principle of aiming to improve the lives of our people. It is not and cannot ever be in our agenda," Belmonte said in a statement.

The House leader issued the statement as members of Congress have been flooded by queries regarding the next agenda after the Supreme Court has ruled on the constitutionality of the controversial Reproductive Health Law.

Belmonte also clarified that divorce bill is not a priority Congress but other pending measures such as the Freedom of Information and Bangsamoro.

"While a Divorce Bill has been indeed filed, my personal views on the issue as well as those of my colleagues will be irrelevant at this point because like any measure filed, it will have to go through the regular legislative process. This means that thorough studies, committee and possible public hearings will still be held before the bill reaches final congressional approval.

"It is not a legislative priority as there are vital pending measures that need attention including the Bangsamoro, the proposal to revise economic provisions in our Constitution and even the FOI as well as other measures that need to be addressed mostly aimed at moving the country ahead and affording our people with a better quality of life," Belmonte said.