Passage of RH Bill in the Appro Committee inspired supporters, call on P-Noy to take side

Press Release
By PLCPD
February 16, 2011

QUEZON CITY  –  Leading proponents of the much clamored reproductive health (RH) bill expressed appreciation for the support of pro-RH lawmakers who despite their different political affiliations, have worked together to pass the consolidated RH bills in the House Committee on Appropriations.

According to Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), the passage of the RH bill in the Committee on Appropriations was received very warmly by groups who rallied this morning in front of the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City.  The said rally was organized by the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) to manifest strong, sustained and broad support from various groups for the passage of the RH bill.

“We are happy and grateful for the support of members of the Committee on Appropriations for swiftly passing the RH bill,” said San Pascual. We know that the anti-RH lawmakers are going to delay and block every step of the way as we march towards the approval of the bill. With the continued support and unity of pro-RH lawmakers, the RH bill has a better chance of approval this year under this Congress, explained San Pascual.

Gaining 20 pro-RH votes as against the 3 anti-RH votes is a clear indication that the RH bill is supported by the majority of the members of the House of Representatives added San Pascual.

The support for RH rally gathered more than 2,000 participants from women, workers and community groups.

San Pascual said, “we can see clearly, by the warm support of the public who massed up at the gates of Congress, that the bill is being supported by ordinary masang Pilipino.”  He calls on P-Noy to be on the side of the People by certifying the RH bill as urgent.