PM joins government agencies and NGOs call for PNoy to prioritize RH bill

Press Release
February 18, 2011

Around a hundred members of the Partido ng Manggagawa joined officials of government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) in a press conference that called on President Benigno C. Aquino III to include the RH bill among government’s priority measures.

The press conference entitled “GO na GO for the RH Bill: Ipasa na!” was held at the Risen Garden of the Quezon City Hall Compound at 10:00 this morning. Government officials present were Undersecretary Florencia Dorotan of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC),1st District of Albay Representative Edcel Lagman and Population Commission Commissioner Benjamin de Leon.

“After listening to the Catholic Church hierarchy, it time for President Aquino to listen to the people, especially the women. We want to remind him of his promise that the people shall be his ‘boss.’ Kapag nagsalita ang boss, pinakikinggan at sinusunod. Bakit parang iba ang boss ni PNoy pagdating sa RH bill? During his campaing, nangako siyang susuportahan niya ang RH bill regardless of the Catholic Church’s threats, then a few days ago he took back his promise,” said PM Secretary General Judy Ann Miranda.

Miranda explained that eleven (11) poor and working women are dying from pregnancy and birth delivery complications daily. Compared to the Catholic Church, Filipino women have more at stake in the measure. “Sino ba ang nagbubuntis? Sino ba ang mga nangagangak? At higit sa lahat, sino ang nanganganib ang buhay at namamatay sa pagbubuntis at panganganak? Ang mga obispo at mga pari ba?”

“Although the bill is really at the hands of the legislators, so to speak, we cannot deny the fact that what Malacañang says it will prioritize will be prioritized. We hope PNoy realizes that the lives and protection of the lives of poor Filipino women are in his hands. Hindi siya pwedeng maghugas kamay sa realidad na ito,” stressed Miranda.

Addressing the Catholic hierarchy, Miranda said “Stop confusing the people and blackmailing government officials. If indeed you want to save lives, support the RH bill.”