Senator Cayetano asks public to help improve Reproductive Health Bill

CEBU, Philippines – Senator Pia Cayetano asks those who oppose the controversial House Bill 5043 or the Reproductive Health Bill to tell her the provisions of the bill that they are not amenable to so they could make changes.

Cayetano, who was in Cebu recently to participate in the 33rd Milo Marathon, said in a press conference that she does not like to engage in a debate with those who are against the bill but added she wants to discuss it with them to hear their side.

“Kung tingin nila may parte sa bill na dapat palitan, sabihan nila ako. Kung tingin nila dapat palitan ang pangalan ng RH Bill, palitan natin,” she explained, adding she wants to be a mediator during the discussion on the issue.However, Human Life International President Dr. Rene Joseph Bullecer, who has been very vocal about their groups’ opposition to the bill, said that there is no use on sitting down with the senator since they do not want to just make changes but they want to have it totally scrapped.

Bullecer said that they know that those who are supporting the bill already have a firm stand on the matter and they could not be taken out of it so his group has seen no reason in talking to them.

“Totally no point. Amo ganahan kay i-scrap ang tibuok bill, dili kay usbon lang ang uban parts,” he stressed.

Bullecer also said that Cayetano’s support to the bill is in contradiction to her advocacy on protecting women’s health and rights because “the bill takes away from the woman her right to motherhood.”

He added they will continue their fight against the bill and in fact, HLI will be spearheading a grand rally this July 25 that will be joined by all sectors of the society that are not in favor of it.

The rally will start from different areas and will end at the Fuente Osmeña circle where a candle lighting will be held. With this, they hope to air their unified concern against the Reproductive Health Bill. — AJ de la Torre/WAB (THE FREEMAN)