Cardinal Tagle to lawmakers: Be open to God's wisdom on RH bill

GMA News December 16, 2012 8:00pm

On the eve of the House of Representatives’ final vote on the reproductive health (RH) bill, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Sunday appealed to lawmakers to be “open” to “God’s Word and Wisdom” before deciding on the controversial measure.

“I appeal to our legislators in the House of Representatives and the Senate to welcome Jesus with joy. His Word and Wisdom (and not just any human word or wisdom) is needed to form consciences,” Tagle said in a message to the Roman Catholic faithful released on Sunday.

The Roman Catholic Church official’s message was released in time for Simbang Gabi, the traditional nine-day dawn Masses in preparation for Christmas which started Sunday.

Tagle also called on lawmakers help Filipinos “prepare a straight path for the Lord.”

The Roman Catholic Church, which promotes only natural forms of birth control, opposes the RH bill, which allocates government resources to procure artificial contraceptives.

In a narrow 113-104 vote with three abstentions, the House passed the RH bill on second reading last week.

The House is scheduled to vote on the RH bill on third reading on Monday. The Senate is also expected to vote on its version of the measure this week.

Lagman: Defeat awaits anti-RH camp

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, main proponent of the RH bill, however expressed confidence that the House will pass the measure on Monday.

“The writing on the wall spelling the defeat of the anti-RH critics is verily patent which even the blind can perceive,” Lagman said in a statement.

He added that supporters of the bill already has a “clear majority” in the lower chamber, as shown in last week’s vote.

Lagman likewise warned Roman Catholic Church officials against “religious interference” as the RH bill vote nears.

 “In a secular State like the Philippines, the Church may participate indirectly in the process of legislation by engaging in the national discourse, but religious interference is constitutionally prohibited, more so the threats of reprisal against legislators at the polls which may even be an election offense,” he said.

Last August, CBCP secretary general Msgr. Joselito Asis said officials of the Catholic hierarchy plan to campaign against lawmakers who will vote in favor of the RH bill.  — LBG/HS, GMA News