PNoy to House members: Ensure quorum, action on RH bill

November 30, 2012 6:16pm

President Benigno Aquino III will meet with members of the House of Representatives in a luncheon meeting in Malacañang on Monday. On the menu: the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

“Makikiusap ako sa kanila, number one, siguraduhin ‘yung quorum; number two, siguraduhin na madesisyunan,” Aquino told reporters Friday at the sidelines of his meeting with Liberal Party members in Mandaue City, Cebu.

He said they would also discuss whether there is a need to certify the bill as urgent, which has been proposed by several pro-RH lawmakers. A bill that has been certified as urgent bypasses the three-day rule between readings.

“Kaya nga tayo mag-uusap, titingnan natin kung kailangan pa ng urgent. Hindi basta-basta ‘yun na ilalagay na urgent,” Aquino said.

Aquino said he just wants the House to arrive at a decision, noting that failure to arrive at one before the 15th Congress ends might lead to divisiveness.

“‘Pag iniwan nating nakabinbin, meron ‘yung divisive factor. Pero alam mo sana malaktawan na natin ’yung division. Kailangan magkaroon ng desisyon either way. Kung anong ipasa nila, ‘yun ang ipapatupad ng Executive,” he said.

The RH bill, which allows artificial contraception, has been staunchly opposed by the Catholic Church and pro-life groups, which only favor natural family planning methods.

Aquino has expressed support for the bill, although Malacañang's version of it is called the Responsible Parenthood bill. “I have stated publicly, I have a position, I’m pro for Responsible Parenthood that this is a matter of conscience,“ he said.

Aquino, however, said he and his party will not impose anything on lawmakes, as he respects each person’s “value system.”

“Lahat tayo may value system, may belief system at kailangan tugunan natin ‘yung sinasabi ng ating mga konsensya. So hindi magi-impose ang ating partido, ang ating mga kasamahan sa konsensya ng bawat isa,” Aquino said.

Aquino reiterated that while the decision lies in each congressman, the important thing is for there to be a decision.

Monday’s meeting will be the second time Aquino will discuss the controversial RH measure with members of the House. — Patricia Denise Chiu/KBK, GMA News