Bishop calls for prayer, fasting vs RH bill

On the eve of President Benigno Aquino III's meeting with lawmakers over the Reproductive Health bill, a Catholic Church official on Sunday called on pro-life groups to use the "weapons" of prayer and fasting against the measure. "Let us pray and fast on Monday and the following days so that our lawmakers will not pass the bill," said Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes, who chairs the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' Episcopal Commission on Family and Life. Aquino is to meet with lawmakers in Malacañang on Monday, with the Reproductive Health bill reportedly being one of the items on the agenda. The Catholic Church has been vocal against the RH bill due to its provisions for artificial contraception. The Church allows only natural family planning. “Let us beseech God to protect life, family, marriage and the youth in our country,” said Reyes. The CBCP said the ECFL believes Aquino will push for a vote on the controversial measure. Reyes also said that Congress will discuss the “substitute” RH bill on the same day and vote on it. — BM, GMA News