Bishops: RH Bill passage will be ‘catastrophic’ for Filipinos

MANILA, August 6, 2012―In what can be seen as a tactical move, Congress moved today the vote to end interpellation on the controversial reproductive health bill ahead of its original schedule tomorrow afternoon.

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino met with lawmakers at Malacanang this morning, to discuss the passage of what Catholic bishops described as highly questionable and immoral measure.

Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, former two-term CBCP President, said the passage of the Reproductive Health bill “will be tragic and catastrophic for the Filipino people.”

“May God have mercy on our Congress,” he added.

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo

For his part, Lipa Archbishop Ramon V. Arguelles described efforts to pass the questionable measure as a manifestation of “imperialism.”  He added he is saddened by the imperialists’ “local agents” whom he described as “traitors” to the country’s sovereignty.

He added foreign powers and their puppets are not after the Filipinos’ future “but for the extermination of the poor and those who believe in God.”

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo M. Bastes, SVD said the passage of the RH bill will cause the slowdown of development in the Philippines.

“We need human beings to grow and progress,” he added.  He explained the aim of the bill is to decrease the country’s population by killing babies or preventing them from being born which brings forth “a culture of death and darkness of sin.”

Cotabato Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said the soul of the nation is at stake with the passage of the RH bill.

“It is very clear it is a western capitalist imposition for their own interests and not of the Filipino people,” he said. He described their efforts is a “subtle way of foreign imperialism.”  

“The more we should resist because at the end, Filipinos are bound to lose,” he concluded.

But Archbishop Lagdameo remained hopeful the House of Representatives “will give more time to discuss the RH bill so that they can see also its defects for the sake of the common good.”

“Both sides must have an open mind for that good,” he further said.

Sources in Malacanang said that after the “all-party caucus,” it has been agreed to terminate the period of debates on the so-called Reproductive Health bill.

Eastern Samar Congressman Ben Evardone said President Aquino himself called for the termination of debates surrounding the government-proposed measure.

Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said the chief executive did not ask for their votes but to end the debates so lawmakers can begin the period of amendments at the soonest possible time.

It was learned 180 lawmakers attended the all-party caucus.  Both pro and anti-RH bill congressmen and congresswomen attended the Malacañang event.

Presidential Spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda said President Aquino has never agreed to abortion.  He added it is clear in the five-point responsible parenthood policy that President Aquino simply wants quality life for Filipino families.  (Melo M. Acuna)

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