Tracking the RH bill's journey in the 15th Congress

Supporters of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill rejoiced Wednesday night when the proposed legislation, one of the most controversial bills in recent memory, passed on second reading in the House of Representatives with a viva voce vote and a 113-104 nominal vote. “Ito ay fitting culmination ng labintatlong taon na saga for the enactment of the RH bill,” Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, principal author of the bill, said. For his part, deputy House Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III, who supports the measure, described the vote as “historic” since it was the farthest that the RH bill — which had been struck down at the committee levels in previous Congresses — has come in the legislative ladder. Tañada, however, cautioned that their work is far from over, with the bill awaiting final reading in the House and second and third readings in the Senate. In a surprise move, President Aquino certified the bill as urgent on Thursday, heeding the request of lawmakers who are lobbying for its immediate passage. This will allow the Senate to immediately vote on final reading if the bill passes second reading on Monday. The following infographic shows how far the bill has come and what still needs to happen before it becomes law . — Aica Dioquino/YA/HS, GMA News