MANILA, November 14, 2011-Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill is a strong statement that the government is looking out for the health of Filipino mothers and children.
As Congress resumes today, Angara stressed that the RH Bill is essentially a health measure, and it has been debated because of varying interpretations.
“The RH Bill is not about allowing our women to abort their pregnancies,” explained Angara. “It is about protecting the health of mothers and children—I believe that is essentially the message of the bill.”
Angara cited the rapid increase in world population, and the heavy concentration of these numbers in the developing world. There are currently 7 billion people on the planet, which will grow to 8 billion by 2022, and 9 billion by 2040.
“Even now at 7 billion, we are having a difficulty feeding, schooling, clothing and sheltering that many people. Almost half a billion people go to bed hungry and many have no protection at all against the elements,” he said.
Angara continued, “It’s about time we create legislation that will help us give the necessary services to these people. In the Philippines, we have to address pertinent issues like high infant mortality, high infant malnutrition and high maternal death.”
Angara said he expects the RH debate to pick up pace again when the Senate finishes deliberating the 2012 national budget.
“I think it’s good that we debate intensely so people will understand the measure better,” Angara concluded. (Rikka Sotto)
