12-12-12: Womyn have won but the fight continues
The Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill) or House Bill 4244 was passed on its second reading with a vote of 113 ayes,109 nays, and 5 abstains in the Congress yesterday, December 12, 2012. Here are some of the Pro-RH statements during the nominal voting: “Let us have children by choice, not by chance.” – Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay) “I cast my vote for reason against ignorance, free choice, empowerment of all Filipinos, to conquer poverty” – Rep. Walden Bello (Akbayan PL) “I am not against life, I am against ignorance. I vote yes to the RH Bill” – Rep. Emmeline Aglipay (Diwa PL) “I am a Catholic. The poor demand this national policy be adopted. I am mandated to listen to our people.” – Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Muntinlupa) “I’m a woman of means, then I lived with the poor & saw women suffering. I do this for the women.” – Rep. Kimi Cojuangco (Pangasinan) “The state must be allowed to expand our freedoms to exercise our moral values. Let us show respect for one another.” – Rep. Imelda Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte) “Who would not want better health service, improved health care for our population?” – Rep. Florencio Flores (Bukidnon) “As a physician I am pro-life and totally against abortion. The bill for me is more acceptable for people’s welfare.” – Rep. Rogelio Espina (Biliran) “RH Bill is not about religion, population control. This is pure, simple, responsible legislation.” – Rep. Garin “The Lord commands, ‘If you love me, you should love your fellow people.’ So I am for the RH Bill.” – Rep. Zeny Maranan (1-Utak PL) “We speak of the unborn but what about those who are born under these circumstances.” – Rep. Jose Zubiri (Bukidnon) ***will be updated shortly***
