Proponents to Malacañang: disregard CBCP let’s push through with RH

By PLCPD
February 22, 2011

QUEZON CITY  –  Amid reports that the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has pulled out from the supposed third round of the series of dialogues with Malacañang, leading proponents of the much clamored Reproductive Health (RH) bill urged Palace to be unfazed with this development but instead support passage of the bill by certifying it as urgent and by including the bill as one of the legislative priorities of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), expressed disappointment over CBCP’s recent initiative.  According to San Pascual pulling out in the middle of the dialogue on a very crucial issue is an attitude of defeat.  “This development does not surprise us, CBCP has long been trying to block RH from floor deliberations and approval,” he added.

San Pascual explains, much as we try to understand CBCP’s excuse for their temporary suspension, we cannot help but see malice in their intent.  If indeed, they are sincere with their dialogue with the Palace, why would they pull out in the scheduled end of February dialogue and resume on March when Congress is set for recess.  “Could this be another delaying tactic?” he asked.

Meanwhile, San Pascual expressed optimism over Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda’s statement that the Palace intends to fulfill its mandate consistent to the 5-point position on responsible parenthood (RP).

As this develops the civil society and other concerned government agencies are initiating a friendly dialogue with P-Noy on RH and RP.