Supporters of the reproductive health (RH) bill have urged their like-minded presidential aspirants to be "firm" on their position and ignore negative campaigning by the Catholic church, which interprets the bill as promoting abortion and irresponsible sex.

They also said that there is no "Catholic vote."

"The Catholic church is losing its hold on the Filipino voters as majority of Filipinos all over the country see the need for comprehensive reproductive health education and services," said Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation (PLCPD) executive director Ramon San Pascual.

The PLCPD leads various non-government organizations in pushing for the passage of House bill 5043 or the "Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2009," and its Senate counterpart, Senate bill 3122. 

Among the groups in PLCPD are Linangan ng Kababaihan, Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines, the Philippine Center for Population and Development, and the Forum for Family Planning and Development.

First time in plenary

Since the 9th Congress, similar bills seeking to fund the government's campaign to promote natural and artificial family planning methods have been filed in Congress. These bills have not passed since many politicians are afraid of antagonizing the Catholic Church.

However, this year, the RH bill reached plenary deliberations. 

San Pascual said the political climate has changed, making the bill's passage probable. He cited a September 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that 78% of the residents of Cebu City, ages 15 to 54, are in favor of the reproductive health bill. The survey reflects the results of a similar survey in the city conducted in April.

"It is frustrating that because of this (Catholic vote), some so-called pro-life Catholic leaders resort to political blackmailing and harassment of the presidential candidates, who, as the election period nears, may think they are vulnerable," San Pascual said.

Fast track the bill

Among the presidential aspirants who support the reproductive health bill are Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and Senator Francis Escudero.

"We urge these candidates to remain firm, especially in the coming days as we are sure the Catholic Church will stage a 'shock campaign' to make them backtrack on the support," San Pascual said.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles earlier instructed majority leader Iloilo Rep. Arthur Defensor to fast track deliberations and put it to a vote, but protests from congressmen opposed to the bill keep delaying it.

The Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world, with around 88.6 million inhabitants as of 2007. Its population grew at 2.04 percent from 2000 to 2007, and is expected to double or reach 177 million in 2041.

"We understand that people will not vote based on a single issue, but we believe that strong political will go against the whim of one sector for the greater good. It is a trait needed if we want to see a more progressive Philippines," San Pascual said. (abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak)

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