Contact Details

Rm. N-411, House of Representatives, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 931 5497, +63 2 931 5001 local 7370

The leadership of the HOR and the authors of the RH bill are consolidating acceptable amendments

Press Statements
  • Rep. Edcel C. Lagman
  • Independent, Albay
  • 04 September2012
  • 0916-6406737 / 0918-9120137             

 

             There is no new RH bill being drafted in the House of Representatives but the leadership of the House and the authors of the bill are consolidating acceptable amendments to address the concerns, reservations and objections of critics like some bishops and their congressional allies.           

             The principal thrust of the latest round of amendments is to emphasize the pro-poor orientation and direction of the bill and that the promotion and distribution of RH information, services and supplies will be geared to the poorest and most marginalized households as surveyed and documented by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).           

              In order to obviate the unfounded criticism that the government will distribute contraceptives for free to everyone, the amendments will underscore that only the poorest of the poor will have free access to contraceptives if they are willing acceptors.           

               The catholic countries in Europe and Latin America have long deferred to the secular government on the adoption and implementation of RH and family planning policies for the poor and to improve maternal and infant health.