The RH Bill talk with Risa Hontiveros

Friday, 20 November 2009 01:24 Rochelle Sy Chua

Updated March 26, 2011- This article was written before the 15th Congress. Be updated on current Reproductive Health Bill and related issues.

What is the RH Bill? House Bill No. 5043 or the Reproductive Health & Population Development Act of 2008 is an act providing for a national policy on reproductive health, responsible parenthood & population development.

Why am I blogging about this? Well you see, last week, I had the chance to meet with Liberal Party senatorial candidate & AKBAYAN representative, Risa Hontiveros. On a personal note, I was really impressed with how Risa Hontiveros greeted us. She could have just seated and said her piece, but she went around the room and shook our hands one by one. Now that's what we call courtesy.

So anyway, one of many things that Congresswoman Risa Hontiveros (now senatorial candidate) talked about and is focused on, is a platform on Health & Women. The RH Bill, which she discussed in depth during our meet, fall into that.

Here are the guiding principles of the RH Bill:

freedom of choice with no bias for either modern or natural method of family planning;
it is about health and rights, not demographics;
individuals are provided free, full access to relevant, adequate and correct information on reproductive health and human sexuality by the State and professional private practitioners;
gender equality and women empowerment and their protection, promotion and guarantee are central elements;
aims to ensure birth and care of healthy children;
promotes responsible parenting;
promotes breastfeeding through joint effort between local government and national government.
abortion remains a crime and is punishable by law *but* post abortion complications shall be treated, counseled in a humane, nonjudgmental and compassionate manner.
respect for, protection and fulfillment of reproductive health rights of children to adults are guaranteed
aims to uplift the quality of life of people, especially the poor, the needy and marginalized;
aims to seek active participation of government and non government organization;
the RH Bill does not legalize Abortion.
aims active participation between government, non government and people's organizations and communities

Basically, the RH Bill aims to resolve our population problem. If we don’t act now, we will double our population not in 20 years but in 10 years.

Personally, I believe the main goal won't be resolved with this bill. What is lacking here is not just education but discipline. If we don't impose, people will just continue with their old habits and our current problems will not go away.

I do understand where the legislators are coming from when they passed this bill. We are a catholic country. Even with how conservative this bill was made, there were still some bishops/priests lambasting politicians who support the RH bill.

Risa's point of view is that free will is a gift of God. The church can preach and teach but what doesn't take well with her is the bishops' bullying. Though we all think that most politicians tend to keep mum about the RH bill because they wouldn't want to lose Catholic votes, Risa mentioned surveys actually say most Filipinos are for the RH Bill. She also mentioned that the Catholic vote is a myth.

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The RH bill is all about freedom of conscience. It is a bill of choice. If a couple want one or many children, it is upto them. Risa thinks if there will be state-sponsored support, it will be an effective family method (things like DOH providing free condoms, pills to the poor).

I think we are one step closer to the right direction. I do think we need to have a law that is more firm. We can provide education and free contraceptive products without passing a bill. We have been doing that already but the problem is still there.

Maybe by passing this bill, we already opened up awareness among Filipinos about family planning. Let's do hope that this works out because population control is a very serious issue we need to address in the Philippines ASAP.

(Update April 2, 2011- Please read the updated Reproductive Health Bill- A matrix)

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Confused 07 February 10, 09:11 PM

One of the principles stated above says:

"Abortion remains a crime and is punishable by law *but* post abortion complications shall be treated, counseled in a humane, nonjudgmental and compassionate manner"

So after their treatment & counseling, will those criminals be jailed for murdering babies?

opinion 27 October 10, 07:35 PM

well what would hurt the baby more, living in a dead place of hunger and poverty filled with illiterate people or dying before even knowing it?

good boy 12 May 11, 10:47 PM

There is NO abortion if the RH Bill will be implemented. You must know that.

Bungangkahoy 07 February 10, 10:00 PM

Proponents of H.B, 5043 "Reproductive Health" bill always cite that that the Philippines is over-populated at 90+ million people to rationalize their support for artificial birth control. But is the country really overpopulated? And the implication is that our country is poor because of that 90+ million figure.

Population figures are meaningless if we don't take into consideration the area where that figure lives. For example, what does it mean that Japan has 128 million people? Or that the U.S.A. has 300 million?

Let's take a look at a sample of Wikipedia's listing of countries according to population DENSITY, or the number of people in every square kilometer (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_dependencies_by_population_density), Fegruary 7, 2010:

Rank Country People/Sq.Km.
1 Macau 18,534
2 Monaco 16,923
3 Singapore 7,022
4 Hong Kong 6,348
...
43 Philippines 307
...
129 Ethiopia 71

Compared to the thousands of the top 4 most-densely populated countries, the Philippines at 307 is hardly "over-populated".

And what about the overpopulation=poverty myth? The top 4 countries are so RICH! Macau is Asia's playground for billionaires, streets choked with Rolls Royces. Monaco is summer capital to Europe's kings, princes, dukes and other royalty. No need to say anything about Singapore and Hong Kong.

These top 4 countries are so small and have no natural resources to brag about but yet so rich. So is the Philippines poor because there are "too many" Filipinos and that we have no natural resources? Look at Ethiopia in Africa. If less people means more wealth to be shared, Ethiopia should be at the top of the list, instead of being one of the world's poorest.

Some people may argue that the top 4 are rich because they are small and easy to manage in spite their large population. So let's look at huge China with its 1.3 BILLION. It is the fastest growing economy in the world, predicted to overtake the U.S.A. very soon, and even now lends money to the U.S.A.!

Right within our own country, compare the population-to-wealth ratio of Sequijor, Cebu and Manila. Obviously, the more population, the better off the place.

Now guess what is our country's biggest dollar earner? It's our Overseas Foreign Workers - human life.

Clearly, life is God's GIFT and a nation's WEALTH!

So what is causing our poverty?

RIIIGHT! CORRUPTION! And the guilty ones hide their sins by blaming us the people for having too many children! What if by a miracle, our population is cut in half a year from now, will our country start getting richer if corruption is still there?

Hmmm...

Gelyn 20 May 11, 08:00 AM

Yes you are absolutely correct, I don't agree with the goverment spending a lot of money giving condoms & contraceptives, why don't they produce job for the poor, i think most of the families who have a lot of children are the poor, educate them and give them something that they will do to earn...... We are not creating the right solution for the problem because we do not address the true problem...... Yes corruption is the main problem & not the population....

ffishbrain 24 May 11, 04:35 PM

i agree that corruption is one huge factor to our poor economy. but when i was trying to read the very long RH bill; which i really didn't finished at all.
anyway, there wasn't anything referring to the bill as due to poverty and economic reasons, but mainly for women's equality, health care, right of choice and all these health stuff thing.
so i think let's not confuse the issues.

but i also agree that any bill will only have an effect to a nation with disciplined citizens. the top 4 countries that was mentioned? ive been to 3 of them and i can say that these people are very self disciplines.

Neigyl R. Noval 28 April 10, 10:55 PM

There are good things about this bill. But, there are also bad things in it. However, the
bad things prevails--that is the reason why I will present the bad things. You need to
have a copy of the RH Bill on sight for you to be guided accordingly.
Here are the irregularities of the RH Bill. Please read this carefully so that you may be
aware of this:

Section 2. First paragraph: "...respect for life in conformity with internationally
recognized human rights standards."
--> Why not in conformity with the Philippine standards? Why international? Do we need to follow other countries way of population control and reproductive health? Or are we undermined or enslaved by the first world countries? Philippines is known for its good and kind people like being hospitable, which other countries are seeking to learn. We have our own standards.

Section 2. Third paragraph: "...sustainable human development is better assured with a manageable population of healthy, educated and productive citizens."
--> If you love our country, or if you love other people, you will see that this
statement may promote euthanasia, divorce, etc. If you don't see it, seek more of its
meaning. It lies beneath the underneath. There will be an unequal distribution of wealth. Don't you see it?

Section 3. (a): "In the promotion of reproductive health, there should be no bias for
either modern of natural methods of family planning;"
--> Nothing in this bill that promotes the natural family planning.

Section 3. (e): "The limited resources of the country cannot be suffered to be spread so thinly to service a burgeoning multitude that makes the allocations grossly inadequate and effectively meaningless."
--> Whoa, more money for the rich! If you look at this bill only on its presented
purpose and overlooking its effects, then we have a problem. You see? This promotes more wealth for the rich.

Section 3. (f): "Freedom of informed choice, which is..."
--> What is meant by informed choice? Does it mean everyone is free to watch x-rated films? How about the kids? How about a demonstration in class? Oh, it's our choice! We are free to be informed of it. Really?

Section 3. (g): "While the number and spacing of children are left to the sound judgement of parents and couples based on their personal conviction and religious beliefs..."
--> This statement is contradicted by Section 10.
Continued: "...such concerned parents and couples, INCLUDING UNMARRIED INDIVIDUALS, should be granted..."
--> This includes minors, and lovers not capable of being a parent. This promotes
pre-marital sex, non-marital sex, abortion, promiscuity, fornication, incest, etc.
Anyway, we are free to do it!
Continued: "...and should be guided by qualified State workers and professional private practitioners;"
--> Why are church leaders not included? Why do priests, bishops, nuns, etc not
involved?

Section 3. (j): "Development...that seek to uplift the quality of life of the people,
more particularly the poor, the needy and the marginalized;"
--> What assurance will the poor benefits? Please reflect on this. Is it really for the
quality of life?

Section 3. (l): "Respect for, PROTECTION and FULFILLMENT of REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS...not only the rights and welfare of adult individuals and couples BUT THOSE OF

ADOLESCENTS' AND CHILDREN'S AS WELL;..."
--> What reproductive health rights for the adolescents and children? Children are
included, whose mind are not yet mature enough! This may promote a dirty knowledge about this to the children. Parents will be responsible for this.

Section 3. (m): "...as abortion remains a crime and is punishable, the government shall ensure the women seeking care for POST-ABORTION COMPLICATIONS shall be treated...and compassionate manner."
--> This is again contradicted in Section 10. The bill doesn't only contradicts the Law
of Nature but violates the bill itself as well. Post-abortion complications in this
statement is only an admission that abortion really has complications.

Section 4. "Definition of Terms"
--> This may not be that heavy but redefining the common understanding of everyone does not need to be defined.

Section 4. (b): "...which enables couples and INDIVIDUALS to decide freely and
responsibly the NUMBER and SPACING OF THEIR CHILDREN..."
--> "Individuals." Does this mean that unmarried couples have the right to have
children? I'm using my common sense here. You should use yours also.

Section 4. (c): "Reproductive Health - refers to the state of physical, mental and social
well-being..."
--> Why spiritual and moral well-being not included here?
Continued: "This implies that PEOPLE are able to have a SATISFYING and SAFE SEX LIFE, that they have the CAPABILITY TO REPRODUCE and the freedom to DECIDE if, WHEN AND HOW OFTEN TO DO SO, provided that these are not against the law."
--> Take note of the phrases that are in UPPERCASE. People to have satisfaction includes the youth, unmarried, homosexual, etc. And, they may decide when and how often to do so? How about teenagers doing it every minute on the grassland? It is not against the law as long as no one saw them.

Section 4. (d): "Reproductive Health Rights - refers to the rights of INDIVIDUALS and
couples to DECIDE FREELY AND RESPONSIBLY the number, spacing and timing of their
children."
--> Again, the 'individual' word. Does this bill really promotes population control in
which I can decide freely and responsibly the number of children? Suppose I receive great pay, I can raise about 15 children. What a population control! This bill is too vague.

Section 4. (g): "10. Male involvement and participation in reproductive health."
--> Number 1 to 8 of this section may be considered okay. But on 10, how will I be
involved and participate with reproductive health? Isn't it obvious that this refers to
sex? Take note that on Section 4 (c) doesn't include the spiritual well-being.

Section 4. (h): "...relevant information on all matters relating to the reproductive
system its functions and processes and human sexuality..."
--> This may promote promiscuity in education.
Continued: "...developing NECESSARY SKILLS to be able to distinguish between facts and myths on sex and sexuality..."
--> How? Doing actual sexual intercourse in class? What necessary skills? Does it mean the techniques, the positions and the likes? Does it mean the class will have a film showing on pornographic films?

Section 10: "Contraceptives as ESSENTIAL MEDICINES - hormonal contraceptives,
intrauterine devices, injectables and other allied reproductive health products...shall
be considered under the category of ESSENTIAL MEDICINES..."
--> This is the most interesting part. Contraceptives are now considered as ESSENTIAL MEDICINES--not only an ordinary medicine but an ESSENTIAL medicine. We can buy condoms the same way we buy Biogesic. Teenagers can buy those too at an affordable price. Better advertise it so that small children will learn too and if possible imitate it through experiments and practice for better reproductive health learning and to master the NECESSARY SKILLS as depicted in Section 4, h.

Section 12. (g): "Abstinence before marriage"
--> How can this be promoted when the unmarried are allowed to have sex and reproduction (See Section 4)?

Sections 22 - 27:
--> If this become a law, people like me who loves humanity will have no choice to obey it. One reason for peoples immorality may be from this law.

I know you are tired of reading my sharing. That only proves that this Bill has many
irregularities. Erase all those above mentioned parts on the Bill, and the Bill may
become better for the people and will be logical too.

ffishbrain 24 May 11, 05:10 PM

All these reference to sex.... I'm just baffled because aren't all of the scenarios you mentioned are already happening right now in the real world, in the Philippines?

Immorality is relative.

rhadem 07 November 10, 01:49 AM

For lighter part of the related issue ...check this out.... http://betternation.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/philippine-reproductive-health-bill-of-2010/

Eileithyia 13 January 11, 12:53 AM

Personally, RH bill is not the solution to the problem, eliminate corruption, provide job for this people and educate these couples of the responsibilities, consequences and risks of uncontrolled child bearing as well as educate the teenagers with the risk of premarital sex and its consequences.

If you have notice that uncontrolled child bearing happen to those couple who are both jobless. what happen is, they have so many time to make children while on the other hand couple who are both working has smaller number of children its because they have something to do with their time not just for making babies.

Perhaps, the budget allocated for the "FREE" condoms and birth control pills will be used to educate our citizen and as well as to provide the job for them.

RH bill will only give consent to people specially our young people to be involve in a premarital sex which is totally a Big NO to our christian belief.

In whatever ways, I totally disagree with abortion, its a form of killing and killing is a mortal sin it is in the 10 commandments.

pam 07 March 11, 06:28 PM

i stand against RH Bill.

why?

1. it will promote sex before marriage. i don’t want to grow old and hear my future kids telling me, “mom, it’s okay to have sex. i have condoms/contraceptives with me.”

2. i value the sanctity of life. no one have the authority to kill anyone, not even the babies who are conceived or just about to be conceived. guys, try to put your feet on the shoes of those babies.

3. we are not perfect but that doesn’t mean we’ll settle for immorality.

4. it will demolish the authority of parents and elders to teach what is right to their kids and the young generation. FYI, when this bill is passed and you teach your kids what is right and not send them to sex education, you’ll be imprisoned.

5. we are sinners already, let us not push more ourselves to be slaves of evil.

6. no, it won’t help in the economic growth of this country. the poor people are not the basis of economic downfall, it’s the corrupt officials of this country.

7. it will only benefit the big pharmaceuticals, and even gives a bigger door for corruption.

8. it will increase our taxes as the DOH will need to provide funds for purchasing of these contraceptives. again, a door for corruption.

9. it disobeys the law that says, “every human has the right to life.”

10. Philippines is not overpopulated, only Manila is. Go to the provinces and you will see that the Philippines have enough space.

11. i don’t want to grow old having less young people to take care of the elders. worst, having too little young people to take care of this nation.

12. this is not a battle between the state and the Catholics. this is a battle about and for life.

come to think of it, when a Filipino is being sentenced to death, we appeal that they may be spared from it.

but how come in this matter, some of us would like to actually kill someone who is totally innocent of any crime.

for me, the RH Bill is actually death penalty.

good boy 12 May 11, 10:51 PM

its up to you on how you handle your children when they reached teens.

ffishbrain 24 May 11, 04:57 PM

it will promote sex before marriage.
****they already are doing it without the bill.

ffishbrain 24 May 11, 05:04 PM

it will promote sex before marriage.
****They are already doing it even without the Bill.

it will only benefit the big pharmaceuticals
****Doesn't this mean more job for our people?

the poor people are not the basis of economic downfall, it’s the corrupt officials of this country.
****I agree. But we, as citizen are without fault.

it will demolish the authority of parents and elders to teach what is right to their kids and the young generation.
****How is this possible? If you are a responsible and loving parent, how can anything outside the loving, secure home you will provide to your child be any threat to your authority?

it will increase our taxes as the DOH will need to provide funds for purchasing of these contraceptives. again, a door for corruption.
****This I'm afraid might be true, I agree.

this is not a battle between the state and the Catholics. this is a battle about and for life.
****Why should there be any kind of battle? Shouldn't it be all for the benefit of all Filipino people?

Anonymous 15 March 11, 05:28 PM

may magagawa pa ba ang pinas kung ang rh bill na yan ay dictated ng global orgn or mga kano o g-7 o unesco o unicef ba bilang isang condisyon na tutulungan o pautangin muli ang pinas basta mababawasan ang populasyon?

ANO BA TALAGA ANG REAL SCORE MANANG MANOY?

aminin na lang sana ng kongreso o senado na wala tayong magagawa kasi nga dinikta na at bilang isang condisyon. KAGAYA ITO NG JUVENILE ACT BA YON?

dapat sana ang lawmakers natin isipin na ang batas na effective sa ibang bansa ay di lahat epektibo sa pinas.. HINDI BOW NG BOW PARA MAKAUTANG O PARA MATULUNGAN.

AS LAWMAKERS ANO MAGAGAWA NINYO? SIMPLE LANG AT HUWAG I DIVERT ANG ISYU.. NAPAKARAMI SA ATING MGA KABABAYAN ANG GUTOM WALANG EDUKASYON IN SHORT WELL BELOW POVERTY LINE.... ANG MAGAGAWA NINYO BAWASAN ANG PORK BARREL NINYO AT GUMAWA NG MGA PROGRAMA NA MAGTURO SA MGA MAHIHIRAP MANGISDA AT D PALAMUNIN. INSTEAD OF KALIWAT KANANG IMBESTIGASYON AKUSASYON BANGAYAN HABULAN NG MGA DATING NASA ADMIN MAAWA NAMAN KAYO BIGYAN NYO NG KONTING SHARE ANG MAHIHIRAP NATING KABABAYAN HUWAG SAYANGIN ANG BUWIS NG MGA HONEST TAXPAYERS PAG GRAND STANDING PAPOGI.. ANG DAMI DPAT GAWIN PARA SA MGA KABABAYAN NATIN..

MAGKARUN NA LANG ULI NG EQ AT TSUNAMI SA PNAS WALANG ISANG CONG O SENAT NA BOLUNTARYO SINCERO MAG COMMIT NG PORSYENTO PARA SA PANGKABUHAYAN NG MGA MAHIHIRAP. KUNG MERON MAN HINDI SA PORK BARREL...

MAGDASAL NA LANG TAYO NA ANG MGA GOVT STRUCTURES NA OCCUPIED NG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LALO SA MGA RECLAIMED AREA D MADUROG NG EQUAKE/ /KUNG MADUROG MAN WAG SANA ANG MGAHIHIRAP ANG MATAMAAN..

ANG TANONG: DAPAT BANG PAG AKSAYAHAN NG PERA NG TAONG BAYAN ANG PAG DEBATE SA RH BILL? D KAYA MAKATIPID ANG GOBYERNO KUNG SA TAONG ITO ANG MAGASTOS PAGDEBATE AY I EARMARK NA LANG SA TULONG PANGKABUHAYAN NG MGA MAHIHIRAP AT PABAYAAN NA LANG MGA MALILIBOG NG GUMAWA NG BIRTH CONTROL METHOD NILA?

BAKIT D LANG IPAKAPON ANG MGA MGA MANOY NA MALIBOG LALO MGA GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
AT YONG MAG BOLUNTARYO MAGPAKAPON NA OPISYAL AY DAGDAGAN ANG PORK BARREL. PARA SILA ANG MODELO NG BAYAN?

O KAYA ANG PAMILYA NA MAY ISANG ANAK LANG AT NAG NAGNATURAL METHOD NG FP AY
BIGYANG SCHOLARSHIP ANG BATA O PANGKABUHAYAN ANG MAGULANG EDAD 40 PATAAS UNTIL MAKATAPOS SA COLLEGE ANG BATA.

WAG NATIN PARUSAHAN ANG MGA BABAE BIGYAN NATIN ANG LAYA NILANG MAG ENJOY..LALAKI DIN AKO MGA PARE KUNG D MO MAPIGIL KALIBOGAN MO MAGPAKAPON KA NA LANG...AKO NAG NATURAL CONTROL KAYA D KO MAGPAKAPON.

ANG TANONG KO SA SIMBAHAN...KASALANAN DIN BA ANG MAGPA KAPON?

MAY MGA NAGBEBENTA NA NGA NG LAMANG LOOB AYON SA MGA INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS
DAPAT ANG MGA LALAKING MAY ISANG ANAK NA
MAGPAKAPON AT BIGYAN NG GOBYERNO NG P50K NA GALING SA PORK BARREL NG MGA CONG AT SENAT...KESA MAGBANGAYAN KAYO OUT OF PEOPLES MONEY PATI ANG SIMBAHAN MAKAPAGSAVE NG DONATION NG PAROKYANO.

SUBUKAN NYO...DNA KAILANGAN UTAK CONG O SENAT ANG OPTION NA YAN

Anonymous 25 March 11, 08:24 PM

payag ako nitong RH bill, tsaka individuals choices naman to eh. People who are educated know well what is good for thier life, family and thier needs. People in the Philippines especially who against this bill I can say not educated enough to know what real life is. All they know is making babies making babies and then what, nothing no food, no money, no money for education. Other people left babies because they can't afford, Use babies to papalimos, its just nothing. In the US two or three kids is enough for us, plus we can afford to do what ever. In philippines, NONE. DOES IT MAKE SENSE to rally agains't the RH BILL, probably so if your are uneducated, because all you know is make babies.

ladyP 25 March 11, 08:39 PM

DOES IT MAKE SENSE to rally agains't the RH BILL?

YES, it does (miss or mister).

ladyP 25 March 11, 08:37 PM

i am against RH bill.

i am against it because i believe it is lambasting the teachings of the Church, the Words of God.

i am pro-morality, therefore, i am pro-LIFE.

if people behind the RH bill sees themselves as geniuses because they thought the RH bill is the solution to our state's problem, i believe you are wrong, for it is not RH bill that will help this nation progress, but the character of its people, most especially our leaders.

let us not spend our taxes for the sake of buying condoms and pills, rather use the money of the people in coming up with better education and more jobs.

stop saying that the Church is spreading a black propaganda, because it is you who are actually doing that.

people, we are made to fulfill God's plan, and not otherwise.

we are made to be just, and not the other way around.

let's focus on things that will not hinder LIFE.

by the way, may i ask the MEDIA to please be UNBIASED with your reports. it's obvious people. ;-)

that's all.

no further arguments.

mystique 25 March 11, 11:42 PM

"Respect for, protection and fulfillment of reproductive health and rights seek to promote the rights and welfare of couples, adult individuals, women and adolescents."

-rights of couples, yes. rights of adult individuals, so-so. adolescents? oh my, please! who wants their adoloscent kids to have sex as much as they want to because they have this bill allowing them of their "right?" if you intend to teach these kids really, teach them to be moral according to the teachings of the Church and not the teachings of the state.

"The provision of medically safe, legal, accessible, affordable and effective reproductive health care services and supplies is essential in the promotion of people’s right to health, especially of the poor and marginalized."

-yeah right, poor again. you are using the poor again. "Medically safe?" Then how come countries like Japan suffers with such a high rate of AIDS when in fact they are using condoms and other types of contraceptives? Then why does the International Agency for Research on Cancer says that oral contraceptives are considered as part of the First Group or carcinogens (or those that causes cancer)?

"While this Act recognizes that abortion is illegal and punishable by law, the government shall ensure that all women needing care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner."

-"...needing care for post-abortion complications...." i think there's something with this statement. On the first part you're saying you recognize that abortion is illegal, and yet on the latter part, you mentioned about treating post-abortion. Isn't that a clear implication that it is actually pro-abortion? Hmmm...

"The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, legal, affordable, effective and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information and education thereon even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children, among other underprivileged sectors."

-"Universal access," does that mean we can buy contraceptives anytime, anywhere? Like, without the doctor's prescription? So that means, teens could buy it and enjoy the pleasure of engaging to sex? Wow!

"Each province and city, with the assistance of the DOH, shall establish or upgrade hospitals with adequate and qualified personnel, equipment and supplies to be able to provide emergency obstetric and neonatal care. For every 500,000 population, there shall be at least one (1) hospital with comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care and four (4) hospitals or other health facilities with basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care; Provided, That people in geographically isolated and depressed areas shall be provided the same level of access."

-are you kidding? let's face it, at these times, you are not providing "the same level of access" already, so how sure are the people that you will really use the money to "establish or upgrade hospitals with adequate and qualified personnel, equipment and supplies?"

"...PhilHealth shall pay for the full cost of family planning."

-Does that mean, we need to pay extra for this new service that they will offer? Hmmm... Shall there be an assurance that everyone will get the said benefit when they want to?

"Products and supplies for modern family planning methods shall be part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units."

-"Regular purchace?" So it really means it's gonna be accessible! Really! WOW! I wonder where these people's conscience are. No, I am not holy, but yes, I have conscience - at least.

"A multi-dimensional approach shall be adopted in the implementation of policies and programs to fight poverty."

-Sounds nice, but i believe this bill is NOT the answer to eliminate poverty in this country. Many times that the word "poor" have been used, but are this really for the poor? Shall this bill really fight poverty or give another room for corruption in the government? People, stop using the poor. Please!

"All serious and life threatening reproductive health conditions such as HIV and AIDS, breast and reproductive tract cancers, obstetric complications, menopausal and post-menopausal related conditions shall be given the maximum benefits as provided by PhilHealth programs."

-Good but funny. Should we wait until a lot of women suffer from the effects of these contraceptives later on or should we stop it now? Remember, pills are GROUP 1 of carcinogens or those that leads greater chances of cancer.

"Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be taught by adequately trained teachers in formal and non-formal educational system starting from Grade Five up to Fourth Year High School using life skills and other approaches."

-Hmmm... I think I have to oppose to the age bracket. I remember seeing then the proposed module/booklet that the educators will be using when teaching sex education. I guess that was years ago. I saw it on TV. I felt disgusted. Come on! Did you see the illustrations of those booklets? That was really leading kids to curiousity and not otherwise. I still believe that sex should be taught in a more appropriate manner and in a more appropriate age bracket, or best, let parents educated their kids. That is their role anyway.

"Prohibition: Any healthcare service provider, whether public or private, who shall: Refuse to extend health care services and information on account of the person’s marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, or nature of work."

-So even kids could ask for it. It's clear, regardless of age. I wonder how you could take a let's say, 13 years old asking about sex education. Wow! Another probition:

"Any person who maliciously engages in disinformation about the intent or provisions of this Act."

-So what if, I am an individual who would tell my kids what is right according to what I believe in, which is against RH, and my kids, knowing the "law" (as taught in their schools) would tell authorities about it, does that mean I am already doing something against the "law," therefore i shall be imprisoned? Yes.

For further reference, the RH bill is actually violating the law. As the law says:

" The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution." (1987 Phil. Constitution Art. II Sec. 12)

-The human life starts when the sperm fuses the egg cell. There are contraceptives that are taken after sex, which means, after the meeting of the egg and the sperm. Thus, preventing that fertilized egg to fully develop. Note that ones the sperm and the egg unites, it is already considered as human as it already have 46 chromosomes (23 from male sperm, 23 from female egg), which is the requirement to complete a human being. Therefore, abortion is obtained.

"Pursuant to the natural right and duty of parents over the person and property of their unemancipated children, parental authority and responsibility shall include the caring for and rearing them for civic consciousness and efficiency and the development of their moral, mental and physical character and well-being" (Philippine Family Code Article 209)

-When this law passes, parents will no longer be in authority towards teaching their kids what is right - as per sex education is concern. For it is when parents teach their kids to do otherwise, they will be faced by the jurisdiction of the said law.

c0rner 17 May 11, 02:19 PM

i don't think that the Philippines is not overpopulated as a country compared to other asian countries but as a one whole or individual family it is, especially most filipino family types are extented(which means grandfather, grandmothers, cousins and other relatives live in a one unit or family) ...
making more babies way beyond the family can support and provide for their children only brings more hardship to our fellow Filipinos.

i am student nurse and i together with my fellow student went to barangays not far from the city and conducted home visits to know their health conditions, and past health history and i've witnessed and talked with this kinds of families who are having a hard time providing proper education, good clothes, and most importantly good food or proper nutrition, they don't even know the basics of proper hygiene and health awareness to protect their child from diseases, because the parents also did'nt have the chance to have proper education because they were to many mouths to feed, and so the same thing will happen to the children of their children.

to those people who are against RH bill can you bear it to see more children in the streets w/ ragged clothes and searching the garbage food so they can have something it..

to those who say it's not God's will, then how many more children or families do we have to see suffer and die before you could realize that maybe doing something to help our country or to help filipino families is God's will.

ffishbrain 24 May 11, 05:33 PM

yeah right, poor again. you are using the poor again.
*****Don't we also use the poor when we are blaming our government?

"Medically safe?" Then how come countries like Japan suffers with such a high rate of AIDS when in fact they are using condoms and other types of contraceptives? Then why does the International Agency for Research on Cancer says that oral contraceptives are considered as part of the First Group or carcinogens (or those that causes cancer)?
*****This is a way better argument I think. Agree!

adolescents? oh my, please! who wants their adoloscent kids to have sex as much as they want to because they have this bill allowing them of their "right?"
*****As I've said, these adolescents we refer to are going to do it whether there is a bill or not. You are right that it will depend on the convictions(morals) that these adolescent learn how they will handle intercourse.

if you intend to teach these kids really, teach them to be moral according to the teachings of the Church and not the teachings of the state.
*****The church is a body of believers, therefore, with due respect, I believe the morality they can teach may or maybe corrupted as well.

So what if, I am an individual who would tell my kids what is right according to what I believe in, which is against RH, and my kids, knowing the "law" (as taught in their schools) would tell authorities about it, does that mean I am already doing something against the "law," therefore i shall be imprisoned? Yes.
*****I think, there's a confusion somewhere, it says that "....disinformation about the intent or provisions of the ACT." --->>> It does not say anything about those who are against it, but only those who are purposely misinterpreting it's intentions.

When this law passes, parents will no longer be in authority towards teaching their kids what is right - as per sex education is concern. For it is when parents teach their kids to do otherwise, they will be faced by the jurisdiction of the said law.
*****I strongly believe that we as human individuals are capable of deciphering which truths we will choose to believe and uphold, so no matter what we teach our young people, they and only they themselves will be responsible to their actions and choices. Yes, we can influence them as much as we could, but it will always fall to individual's choice. All we can hope for is that they will grow up to be God fearing individuals that no bill or nothing will cause them to harm themselves or others.