Lawmakers laud Aquino for including RH bill in LEDAC

Lawmakers on Tuesday lauded the inclusion of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill on the list of priority measures in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), saying it showcases President Benigno Aquino III’s political will. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Janet Garin, one of the RH bill’s main authors, praised Aquino for his “courage" in prioritizing the controversial measure despite opposition from various groups, primarily the Roman Catholic Church. “The endorsement of the President is an upright decision and in accordance with his vision of matuwid na daan. Political will as exemplified by our nation’s leader is the missing link we have been longing for a faster and more progressive take-off from poverty," she said in a text message. Gabriela Women’s party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, another RH proponent, said the inclusion of the bill in the LEDAC proves that the Aquino administration is prioritizing services to the poor. “It should be a priority because women’s health and services to poor women should be a priority," she said in a separate text message. Gabriela Women’s party-list Rep. Emerenciana de Jesus, who also authored the bill, said she hopes the prioritizing of the RH bill “will translate to the hastening of the process in Congress." Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced on Tuesday morning that the RH bill will be presented as one of Malacañang’s priority measures during the LEDAC. The RH bill is currently undergoing plenary debates pending second reading in both chambers of Congress. The Roman Catholic Church promotes only natural birth control methods and is opposed to the RH bill, saying it may promote promiscuity and induce abortion. Opposition, relief Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay, who opposes the RH bill, meanwhile, said Malacañang’s priority does not necessarily reflect the priorities of Filipinos. “Intense lobbying of pro-RH groups won this round, but it doesn’t mean that it is what the people want," she said. Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, for his part, felt relief that the issue on the RH bill can finally be settled by Congress after Aquino named it as one of the government’s priority legislations. “This is a good move para once and for all, ma-settle na ito," he said. Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, meanwhile, said the inclusion of the RH bill in the LEDAC will convince administration allies in Congress to support the measure. “I hope all those who are still vacillating can now muster enough courage to support the priority measure," he said. - KBK, GMA News