PLCPD hits 'deliberate' delay of debates on RH bill

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. condemned the "persistent tactics" of legislators opposed to the reproductive health (RH) bill to delay plenary debates on the measure in the House of Representatives. From the time House Bill 5043 reached the floor for sponsorship three weeks ago, the oppositors have used every opportunity in posing technical inquiries to delay the sponsorship speeches. In the four days of deliberations, only Rep. Raul del Mar of Cebu had the chance to interpellatel. Not only did Del Mar and the other legislators try to question the quorum and other technical matters, he also tried to prolong the debate by focusing on non-issues like the use of Powerpoint images while the debate is ongoing. "It is extremely exasperating and sickening to see how the opposing lawmakers refuse to discuss the merits of House Bill 5043 in front of the gallery filled up with people, both pros and antis who have come to the Lower House in the hopes of finally witnessing a sound discussion on this bill," the PLPCD said. "The opponents of the RH bill have been raising numerous issues in various fora for such a long time before the bill has reached period of debate. Now that its up for plenary debate, the anti-RH lawmakers simply refuse to engage in substantive discussion on the value of the bill. Rather, the anti-RH policy makers resort to peripheral concerns and tactics meant to waste time supposedly devoted to debate and revise the RH bill," the group said in a statement. This unreasonable behavior only proves that the detractors of the RH bill are afraid of a fair and objective discussion on the merits RH bill because they are running out of rational issues, the group added. "Also, they are scared that they simply do not have the numbers when the time to vote for the bill’s approval for second reading comes," PLCPD said. "We have long waited for this debate to happen in a place where it will really matter – the policymaking arena. Is it too much for the people to expect their lawmakers to be responsible and attend swiftly and debate the merits of this all-important bill on reproductive health?" it asked. - GMANews.TV