RH bill advocates unfazed by Catholic Church rally

MANILA, Philippines – Groups supporting the reproductive health (RH) bill shrugged off the prayer rally held by the Catholic Church at the Quirino Grandstand last Friday. 

Beth Angsioco, national chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines, said only around 40,000 people attended the event despite the church’s massive campaign in media and during masses. 

"Hindi namin balak na tapatan ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita din ng bilang gaya sa rally," Angsioco said. "Kumpiyansa ang aming grupo at iba ang advocate ng RH bill na maisasabatas sa lalong madaling panahon ang RH bill."

She believes that many lawmakers in the lower House and in the Senate are supporting the RH bill. 

Dagdag naman ni Ramon San Pascual, executive director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development, said many of those who attended the prayer rally do not understand what they are fighting for. 

San Pascual said his group will continue its educational campaign on the RH bill to explain why it can solve population explosion. – Report from Abner  Mercado, ABS-CBN News