While actively joining the effort in extending much needed assistance to the victims of Typhoon Sendong and their families in Mindanao, Mayor Strike Revilla League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National President, issues an urgent appeal to all LMP members to lead their municipalities in this “great humanitarian effort”. In what we have seen in Mindanao and in the Ondoy and Pepeng experience it is complacency that kills and devastates more lives not the disaster itself, said Mayor Strike.
“I am appealing to the League of Municipal Mayors of the Philippines to extend a helping hand to our fellow Filipinos in Cagayan de Oro and neighboring towns now in the midst of sufferings. Let us help ease their sufferings by extending whatever support we can. But we have to be swift in our response. Let us do our best to provide help when it is most needed, otherwise, our efforts will become futile,” he said further.
In the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) 49,441 families are now being served in evacuation centers. This is too much for the city governments of Cagayan De Oro, Iligan and other LGUs to provide for in the coming days and weeks. Many whose home was totally devastated may live in these evacuation centers for a longer period of time. “Let us provide them with basic necessities, maybe set aside a portion what we have for Christmas and send it to the families living in evacuation centers” Mayor Strike adds.
The total deaths caused by Typhoon Sendong have now reached 976, more than a thousand injured and still some are missing.
Mayor Strike Revilla appeals first to those municipalities in Mindanao barely affected by Typhoon Sendong. They could provide the first wave of relief because many items are very much needed. Municipalities in Luzon and Visayas may coordinate with relief agencies operating in the area including the DSWD and the Philippine Red Cross if they would be donating cash.
In line with the Presidents call to review response to disasters and in reducing the risks to life and property, Mayor Strike agrees that “There is no safe place if we are not informed and prepared”.
Let us pray for all the victims and their families and friends that they may have the strength to overcome. Let us also pray and extend assistance to the local government officials who are working very hard to put order amid chaos brought about by the typhoon.
He further articulated that climate change is too serious a threat for local governments to ignore. Making a strong point to stop pointing fingers and blaming each other. “If we blame each other we are exhausting ourselves with nothing to show. It would be better if we work together,” Mayor Strike concludes.” Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.
Tuklasin Natin Adverts
Tuklasin Natin Adverts
Showing posts with label RH NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RH NEWS. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
PRESS STATEMENT of Rep. Edcel C. Lagman
The allegation of a United States multi-million peso lobby fund for the enactment of the RH bill is an old yarn which is destitute of factual basis.
This is a dead and fossilized tirade which anti-RH solons like Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia try to resurrect every time the RH bill is at the threshold of approval.
Allegation is not proof. Garcia has consistently failed to prove his bare allegations.
Garcia delivered a privilege speech to bait RH advocates to protracted and repetitive debates in order to further delay the passage of the RH bill, but there were no takers because the ploy of Garcia was too obvious and crude.
Ironically, Garcia is myopic to the well-oiled lobby against the bill by the organized and wealthy Catholic hierarchy with the aid of dozens of lay organizations which are well-funded.
Garcia has long been the conservative spokesman who has been pontificating from the antediluvian pulpit like when he vociferously opposed progressive legislation such as the institution of a comprehensive agrarian reform program and the abolition of the death penalty, both battles he had lost.
The principal proponents of the RH bill are recognized nationalist legislators who will not take a cent from foreign lobbyists.
The Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) for more than two decades has been a well-respected NGO both locally and internationally. Its enduring advocacy on population and development antedates the introduction of the RH bill.
PLCPD does not promote population control, but advocates freedom of informed choice with respect to reproductive health and the various forms of family planning from the natural to the modern which are medically safe, legal and truly effective. EDCEL C. LAGMAN
This is a dead and fossilized tirade which anti-RH solons like Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia try to resurrect every time the RH bill is at the threshold of approval.
Allegation is not proof. Garcia has consistently failed to prove his bare allegations.
Garcia delivered a privilege speech to bait RH advocates to protracted and repetitive debates in order to further delay the passage of the RH bill, but there were no takers because the ploy of Garcia was too obvious and crude.
Ironically, Garcia is myopic to the well-oiled lobby against the bill by the organized and wealthy Catholic hierarchy with the aid of dozens of lay organizations which are well-funded.
Garcia has long been the conservative spokesman who has been pontificating from the antediluvian pulpit like when he vociferously opposed progressive legislation such as the institution of a comprehensive agrarian reform program and the abolition of the death penalty, both battles he had lost.
The principal proponents of the RH bill are recognized nationalist legislators who will not take a cent from foreign lobbyists.
The Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) for more than two decades has been a well-respected NGO both locally and internationally. Its enduring advocacy on population and development antedates the introduction of the RH bill.
PLCPD does not promote population control, but advocates freedom of informed choice with respect to reproductive health and the various forms of family planning from the natural to the modern which are medically safe, legal and truly effective. EDCEL C. LAGMAN
PROPONENTS CONDEMN CHEAP ACTS OF ANTI-RH LAWMAKERS
Reproductive Health (RH) advocates condemn the cheap acts of the opponents of the much delayed House Bill 4244 or the “Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011 and calls on them to stop causing deliberate delays in the interpellations of the said measure.
According to Ramon San Pascual, Rep. Pablo Garcia of the 2nd District of Cebu is once again using dirty old tactics to delay the debates by attacking proponents of the RH bill such as the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD).
San Pascual, who is the Executive Director of the group, stressed that PLCPD is composed of progressive and nationalists legislators who have championed the issues of poor and marginalized sectors in Congress and will not serve foreign interests. Among its past chairpersons are well respected lawmakers such as Sen. Letecia Ramos-Shahani, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, and Rep. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo.
San Pascual emphasized that the anti-RH lawmakers are in fact reactionaries who refuse to support PLCPD’s human development agenda in Congress. They tried but failed to stop the enactment of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform and Cheaper Medicines Act. They will definitely lose the battle again with the RH bill.
PLCPD, just like any non-government organization (NGO) in the country, receives grants from domestic and international development organizations for its programs and activities, San Pascual said. He added that PLCPD is a legitimate organization of congress members and senators who for the past twenty years have fought for progressive and pro-poor legislation in the country.
“We do not see that as an issue, as Rep. Garcia insinuates maliciously in his privilege speech,” San Pascual said. “It is also very unfortunate that some members of the media are allowing themselves, and their organization, to be used by such malicious attack,” San Pascual added.
San Pascual urged lawmakers to bring decency in Congress by allowing the legislative process to flow accordingly and refrain from misinforming the public and maligning proponents of the bill.
“We call on anti-RH legislators to show up during interpellations, finish the debates, and vote on the bill now, San Pascual, said. “In the end, lawmakers will be measured by the legislation they stood and fought for, and not by what they cowardly turned their backs on,” he ended. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.
According to Ramon San Pascual, Rep. Pablo Garcia of the 2nd District of Cebu is once again using dirty old tactics to delay the debates by attacking proponents of the RH bill such as the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD).
San Pascual, who is the Executive Director of the group, stressed that PLCPD is composed of progressive and nationalists legislators who have championed the issues of poor and marginalized sectors in Congress and will not serve foreign interests. Among its past chairpersons are well respected lawmakers such as Sen. Letecia Ramos-Shahani, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, and Rep. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo.
San Pascual emphasized that the anti-RH lawmakers are in fact reactionaries who refuse to support PLCPD’s human development agenda in Congress. They tried but failed to stop the enactment of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform and Cheaper Medicines Act. They will definitely lose the battle again with the RH bill.
PLCPD, just like any non-government organization (NGO) in the country, receives grants from domestic and international development organizations for its programs and activities, San Pascual said. He added that PLCPD is a legitimate organization of congress members and senators who for the past twenty years have fought for progressive and pro-poor legislation in the country.
“We do not see that as an issue, as Rep. Garcia insinuates maliciously in his privilege speech,” San Pascual said. “It is also very unfortunate that some members of the media are allowing themselves, and their organization, to be used by such malicious attack,” San Pascual added.
San Pascual urged lawmakers to bring decency in Congress by allowing the legislative process to flow accordingly and refrain from misinforming the public and maligning proponents of the bill.
“We call on anti-RH legislators to show up during interpellations, finish the debates, and vote on the bill now, San Pascual, said. “In the end, lawmakers will be measured by the legislation they stood and fought for, and not by what they cowardly turned their backs on,” he ended. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.
WOMEN TO SOTTO: STOP FILIBUSTERING. DO YOUR JOB, PUT THE RH BILL TO A VOTE!
Following Sen. Tito Sotto’s interpellation that lambasted advocacy groups during Mondays’ Senate session, a group of women advocates working with grassroots communities condemned Sotto’s witch hunting and black propaganda against organizations involved in the passage of the much-delayed Reproductive Health (RH) bill.
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), one of the groups that Sotto hit said that the Senate Majority Floor Leader uses his power to pick on RH bill advocates instead of doing his job which is to schedule the voting for the measure.
According to Angsioco, Sotto’s arguments that organizations do not exist because they are not registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) only revealed the Senators’ lack of understanding about how most organizations work. “Sotto should know that a big number of organizations, especially those composed of marginalized sectors are not SEC-registered but are actively working for social transformation. It is a pity that the Senator hits organizations that are actually helping the government and politicians like him, do their work,” she added.
“It looks like that in his effort to look for ‘ammunitions’ against RH groups such as international connections and funding, he hit all organizations, whether he found something or nothing. It’s funny that those he hit including the ones he accused of being ‘foreign agents’ are actually some of the most recognized organizations in the country,” Angsioco said.
As the national chairperson of DSWP Angsioco takes offense, she said that DSWP has been working with grassroots women for almost two and a half decades. “We are present in 14 regions of the country and have been instrumental in the passage of several laws including the Anti-Rape, Anti-Violence against Women and their Children and the Magna Carta of Women. We have, for years been working with both Houses of Congress and other government institutions like the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),” she stressed.
Unfortunately for Sotto, Angioco explained, there is nothing new in his arguments against the bill. They are basically the same ones that he has been mouthing since the start of his never ending interpellation. Sotto desperately attempts to veer the discussion toward an imaginary international conspiracy to bring abortion to the country. “This argument is absurd. No pro-abortion law can be passed in this country because of the Constitutional prohibition against it,” Angsioco asserted.
Angioco emphasized that if Sotto is true to his word that he is not delaying the bill, then he should yield the floor to other Senators who might want to interpellate. “It is him always interpellating. What he is doing is tantamount to filibustering so the bill doesn’t get voted on,” she said.
“If indeed, Sotto is not blocking the RH bill, then he should do his responsibility and put the bill to a vote. It is time, as what Senators Defensor-Santiago and Cayetano say, vote on the RH bill now!” Angsioco ended. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), one of the groups that Sotto hit said that the Senate Majority Floor Leader uses his power to pick on RH bill advocates instead of doing his job which is to schedule the voting for the measure.
According to Angsioco, Sotto’s arguments that organizations do not exist because they are not registered with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) only revealed the Senators’ lack of understanding about how most organizations work. “Sotto should know that a big number of organizations, especially those composed of marginalized sectors are not SEC-registered but are actively working for social transformation. It is a pity that the Senator hits organizations that are actually helping the government and politicians like him, do their work,” she added.
“It looks like that in his effort to look for ‘ammunitions’ against RH groups such as international connections and funding, he hit all organizations, whether he found something or nothing. It’s funny that those he hit including the ones he accused of being ‘foreign agents’ are actually some of the most recognized organizations in the country,” Angsioco said.
As the national chairperson of DSWP Angsioco takes offense, she said that DSWP has been working with grassroots women for almost two and a half decades. “We are present in 14 regions of the country and have been instrumental in the passage of several laws including the Anti-Rape, Anti-Violence against Women and their Children and the Magna Carta of Women. We have, for years been working with both Houses of Congress and other government institutions like the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),” she stressed.
Unfortunately for Sotto, Angioco explained, there is nothing new in his arguments against the bill. They are basically the same ones that he has been mouthing since the start of his never ending interpellation. Sotto desperately attempts to veer the discussion toward an imaginary international conspiracy to bring abortion to the country. “This argument is absurd. No pro-abortion law can be passed in this country because of the Constitutional prohibition against it,” Angsioco asserted.
Angioco emphasized that if Sotto is true to his word that he is not delaying the bill, then he should yield the floor to other Senators who might want to interpellate. “It is him always interpellating. What he is doing is tantamount to filibustering so the bill doesn’t get voted on,” she said.
“If indeed, Sotto is not blocking the RH bill, then he should do his responsibility and put the bill to a vote. It is time, as what Senators Defensor-Santiago and Cayetano say, vote on the RH bill now!” Angsioco ended. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Advocates continue mass action to pressure Congress to vote on the RH Bill
Amid continued rains, a group of advocates pushing for the passage of the highly clamored Reproductive Health (RH) bill trooped to the House of Representatives yesterday to continue the mass action aimed at putting pressure to Congress leadership to vote on the measure.
The mass action dubbed “10 Taon Na ang RH Bill, Tama Na, Botohan Na!” that started Monday will be conducted every day until Congress decides to finally vote on the measure. Advocates vowed to remain steadfast to pressure Congress to vote on the bill before the year ends.
Meanwhile, news from House Leadership that voting on the RH bill will not be scheduled before the year ends further dismayed the advocates. According to news reports House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales said that voting on the RH bill will most likely happen in June 2012.
“This is not acceptable to the Filipino people who have been clamoring for the passage of this law for more than 10 years now,” said Rom Dongeto, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) Manager for Center for Communications and Information.
Dongeto said, “advocates do not see any reason why Congress leadership should wait for next year before they vote on the measure. Debates on the bill has long been exhausted, there is no new argument.” He explained, “the arguments coming from the anti-RH lawmakers are rehashed and has already been asked repeatedly.”
Advocates vowed to continue their daily rallies at the Batasan South Wing Entrance to pressure the House leadership to vote on the measure before the Christmas break. Ms. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, PLCPD Media Advocacy Officer
The mass action dubbed “10 Taon Na ang RH Bill, Tama Na, Botohan Na!” that started Monday will be conducted every day until Congress decides to finally vote on the measure. Advocates vowed to remain steadfast to pressure Congress to vote on the bill before the year ends.
Meanwhile, news from House Leadership that voting on the RH bill will not be scheduled before the year ends further dismayed the advocates. According to news reports House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales said that voting on the RH bill will most likely happen in June 2012.
“This is not acceptable to the Filipino people who have been clamoring for the passage of this law for more than 10 years now,” said Rom Dongeto, Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) Manager for Center for Communications and Information.
Dongeto said, “advocates do not see any reason why Congress leadership should wait for next year before they vote on the measure. Debates on the bill has long been exhausted, there is no new argument.” He explained, “the arguments coming from the anti-RH lawmakers are rehashed and has already been asked repeatedly.”
Advocates vowed to continue their daily rallies at the Batasan South Wing Entrance to pressure the House leadership to vote on the measure before the Christmas break. Ms. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, PLCPD Media Advocacy Officer
Women to Congress leaders: Keep your word, vote on the RH Bill now
A group of women advocates pushing for the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill is challenging the leadership of the House of Representatives (HOR) to put the bill to a vote before Congress goes on another break this December.
According to Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), a group doing daily mass mobilizations at the HOR South Entrance gate, news saying that voting on the RH bill might take place in June 2012 means that HOR leadership is reneging on its word that the bill will be voted on before the year ends.
Angsioco pointed out that HOR leadership has repeatedly made public statements saying that the HOR will vote on the RH bill before its Christmas break. “There is no point to further delay the vote because after the more than 10 years of debates, all arguments have been exhaustively discussed and no new ones are emerging,” Angsioco laments. “In fact, questions have been repetitive with some lawmakers even raising issues unfit for discussion in the halls of Congress,” she said.
She emphasized that for every day that Congress postpones voting, more and more mothers die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications and results in more orphaned families. “We do not understand how our lawmakers, tasked to address our people’s needs, can close their eyes on this very real problem. In their hands lies the solution to stop mothers’ deaths. It is as if mothers are unimportant to them,” Angsioco further said.
RH advocates are dismayed that HOR leadership seems to listen more to the few oppositors instead of giving weight to what the majority of the Filipino people wants – a comprehensive and pro-poor RH law.
Angsioco challenged the HOR leaders to implement its rules so the bill can be voted on immediately. “With political will, the so-called 20 interpellators can finish if repetitive questions will not be allowed and if they keep to their one-hour per interpellator rule,” she added.
To anti-RH lawmakers, Angsioco has this to say, “If they really have the numbers as they claim, then they should join us in calling for the vote now. There really is no reason for them not to.”
According to Angsioco, advocates are beginning to lose patience, “We are ready to do whatever it takes to pressure the HOR to take the vote this December. Yesterday, more than 500 of us braved the strong rains and continued our mass action to show Congress that we mean business. We will not stop and mass actions will be bigger until they listen to us. What we want is for Congress to fulfill its responsibility - vote on the RH bill now,” she ended. Ms. Rhoda V. Avila
According to Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), a group doing daily mass mobilizations at the HOR South Entrance gate, news saying that voting on the RH bill might take place in June 2012 means that HOR leadership is reneging on its word that the bill will be voted on before the year ends.
Angsioco pointed out that HOR leadership has repeatedly made public statements saying that the HOR will vote on the RH bill before its Christmas break. “There is no point to further delay the vote because after the more than 10 years of debates, all arguments have been exhaustively discussed and no new ones are emerging,” Angsioco laments. “In fact, questions have been repetitive with some lawmakers even raising issues unfit for discussion in the halls of Congress,” she said.
She emphasized that for every day that Congress postpones voting, more and more mothers die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications and results in more orphaned families. “We do not understand how our lawmakers, tasked to address our people’s needs, can close their eyes on this very real problem. In their hands lies the solution to stop mothers’ deaths. It is as if mothers are unimportant to them,” Angsioco further said.
RH advocates are dismayed that HOR leadership seems to listen more to the few oppositors instead of giving weight to what the majority of the Filipino people wants – a comprehensive and pro-poor RH law.
Angsioco challenged the HOR leaders to implement its rules so the bill can be voted on immediately. “With political will, the so-called 20 interpellators can finish if repetitive questions will not be allowed and if they keep to their one-hour per interpellator rule,” she added.
To anti-RH lawmakers, Angsioco has this to say, “If they really have the numbers as they claim, then they should join us in calling for the vote now. There really is no reason for them not to.”
According to Angsioco, advocates are beginning to lose patience, “We are ready to do whatever it takes to pressure the HOR to take the vote this December. Yesterday, more than 500 of us braved the strong rains and continued our mass action to show Congress that we mean business. We will not stop and mass actions will be bigger until they listen to us. What we want is for Congress to fulfill its responsibility - vote on the RH bill now,” she ended. Ms. Rhoda V. Avila
Friday, October 14, 2011
NGO CHALLENGES LEGISLATORS TO VOTE FOR THE RH BILL NOW
Various NGOs led by Dr. Eden Divinagracia, executive director of PNGOC calls on legislators to stop the delay and vote for the passage of the RH bill. The women and men of the 15th Congress must be reminded that it is their responsibility to resolve the standoff and allow each member to vote on the bill. We cannot deny the Filipino people of their right to comprehensive reproductive health services that will save the lives of women and children. Congress must vote and pass the RH Bill now.
Despite the endorsement of the president and other political leaders to prioritize the bill, and the high public support as proven by national surveys, including the latest from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) last June, the bill continues to suffer delays due to stiff opposition from leaders of the Catholic Church and their supporters in the legislature.
“Many lives of poor women are dying due to lack of information and services which should be given to them by the government if there is only a national policy on Reproductive Health.” Said by Dr. Divinagracia.
She added “I could not see why some of our legislators are afraid of the bill; do they not see the long term effect of having a bill that can help save lives of mothers and children; do they not see the importance of having a law that can help couples plan their family; the RP-RH bill is PRO-Women, PRO-Poor and PRO-Quality of life that I and my organization is pushing for”.
PNGOC believes it is the government’s role to provide programs on reproductive health information and services and having a national policy can address this critical role of the government.
PNGOC which is composed of 95 national and local based NGOs will continue to promote to all its networks of NGOs, partner organizations and communities nationwide to support for a Reproductive Health Care Act. Dr. Eden Divinagracia, Executive Director. Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc.
Despite the endorsement of the president and other political leaders to prioritize the bill, and the high public support as proven by national surveys, including the latest from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) last June, the bill continues to suffer delays due to stiff opposition from leaders of the Catholic Church and their supporters in the legislature.
“Many lives of poor women are dying due to lack of information and services which should be given to them by the government if there is only a national policy on Reproductive Health.” Said by Dr. Divinagracia.
She added “I could not see why some of our legislators are afraid of the bill; do they not see the long term effect of having a bill that can help save lives of mothers and children; do they not see the importance of having a law that can help couples plan their family; the RP-RH bill is PRO-Women, PRO-Poor and PRO-Quality of life that I and my organization is pushing for”.
PNGOC believes it is the government’s role to provide programs on reproductive health information and services and having a national policy can address this critical role of the government.
PNGOC which is composed of 95 national and local based NGOs will continue to promote to all its networks of NGOs, partner organizations and communities nationwide to support for a Reproductive Health Care Act. Dr. Eden Divinagracia, Executive Director. Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Groups to Congress: Put RH bill to a vote!
A group of sectoral leaders who are gathered today for the civil society press conference on the highly clamored Reproductive Health (RH) bill calls on Congress to heed the call of the majority of the Filipino people, stop the hypocrisy and pass the RH bill now.
According to Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), civil society groups are now challenging lawmakers to vote on the RH bill. “More than ten years of continuous and repeated debates on it is too much already,” San Pascual said. “Stretching the legislative process on such an important piece of legislation is detrimental not only to women but to the country as a whole.”
The RH bill is a very crucial piece of legislation that responds to the country’s long-standing need for a national law that will provide stable universal access to medically safe, legal, affordable, effective and quality RH care services and information. That is all to it, San Pascual explains. “All you read in the bill is all you get, no other agenda. All these talks coming from the anti-RH lawmakers are part of the grand design to block the imminent passage of the bill,” he stressed.
RH bill is supported by no less than the President of the Philippines, his cabinet members, government agencies and by almost all sectors—academe, economists, youth, women, faith-based groups, business, labor, development agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, civil society groups, community organizations, celebrities and personalities—while various surveys conducted by prestigious survey institutions have shown time and again that majority of Filipinos want RH education and services and they want the government to fund it, San Pascual said further.
“Yet, there are some lawmakers who are stubbornly refusing to understand that point,” he said. “Is it because the very powerful Catholic bishops and groups affiliated to them are opposing it? It is the poor, especially poor women who are denied with the RH services and are needlessly dying every day who will benefit from it,” he added.
San Pascual stressed, “Why can’t Congress pass the RH bill which is broadly and strongly supported by various sectors? What is in it for the lawmakers who are strongly opposing the bill to the point of exhausting all possible means to derail it?”
Meanwhile, Dr. Junice Melgar, Secretary General of the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) and Executive Director of LIKHAAN Center for Women’s Health explains that the sentiment of the whole nation is to pass the RH bill. But according to her, while it is acknowledged that the voice of the people is the voice of God, after more than ten years, Congress has not voted on what the people want – an RH law.
“The whole country, ironically except Congress, has made up its mind that it needs an RH law. It is very lamentable that they are choosing not to abide by their sworn obligations – to enact laws that will protect the rights and welfare of their constituents,” she said. “It is with the strongest conviction, that we, women, say it is time for our lawmakers to heed the voice of the people. Vote and pass the RH bill now,” Melgar ended. Vigie Benosa-LLorin, PLCPD
According to Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), civil society groups are now challenging lawmakers to vote on the RH bill. “More than ten years of continuous and repeated debates on it is too much already,” San Pascual said. “Stretching the legislative process on such an important piece of legislation is detrimental not only to women but to the country as a whole.”
The RH bill is a very crucial piece of legislation that responds to the country’s long-standing need for a national law that will provide stable universal access to medically safe, legal, affordable, effective and quality RH care services and information. That is all to it, San Pascual explains. “All you read in the bill is all you get, no other agenda. All these talks coming from the anti-RH lawmakers are part of the grand design to block the imminent passage of the bill,” he stressed.
RH bill is supported by no less than the President of the Philippines, his cabinet members, government agencies and by almost all sectors—academe, economists, youth, women, faith-based groups, business, labor, development agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, civil society groups, community organizations, celebrities and personalities—while various surveys conducted by prestigious survey institutions have shown time and again that majority of Filipinos want RH education and services and they want the government to fund it, San Pascual said further.
“Yet, there are some lawmakers who are stubbornly refusing to understand that point,” he said. “Is it because the very powerful Catholic bishops and groups affiliated to them are opposing it? It is the poor, especially poor women who are denied with the RH services and are needlessly dying every day who will benefit from it,” he added.
San Pascual stressed, “Why can’t Congress pass the RH bill which is broadly and strongly supported by various sectors? What is in it for the lawmakers who are strongly opposing the bill to the point of exhausting all possible means to derail it?”
Meanwhile, Dr. Junice Melgar, Secretary General of the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) and Executive Director of LIKHAAN Center for Women’s Health explains that the sentiment of the whole nation is to pass the RH bill. But according to her, while it is acknowledged that the voice of the people is the voice of God, after more than ten years, Congress has not voted on what the people want – an RH law.
“The whole country, ironically except Congress, has made up its mind that it needs an RH law. It is very lamentable that they are choosing not to abide by their sworn obligations – to enact laws that will protect the rights and welfare of their constituents,” she said. “It is with the strongest conviction, that we, women, say it is time for our lawmakers to heed the voice of the people. Vote and pass the RH bill now,” Melgar ended. Vigie Benosa-LLorin, PLCPD
Friday, October 7, 2011
TRAIN NURSES FOR RH SERVICES, GROUP PUSHES RH APPROVAL
A national nursing organization gathers to talk about the current state of maternal health and the lack of reproductive & sexual health & unifies to support the national campaign to pass a comprehensive reproductive health law in the country.
The Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders & Advocates International Inc. (AYNLA), a national nursing organization who is very supportive to the most-debated legislative measure, the RH Bill, shall gather its leaders from NCR and the regions to know more about the current state of maternal health and the importance of reproductive & sexual health to all people this coming October 8-9, 2011 at Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City.
AYNLA will release their National Manifesto of Support to Reproductive Health which will be signed by their national, regional and some local officers and shall be accepted by some RH champion legislators & heads of Civil Society Organizations in October 9th. Different medical & advocacy experts such as former DOH Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral, former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel are invited to speak & discuss about maternal & child health, reproductive & sexual health, comprehensive sexuality education, and the role of nurses in achieving the Millennium Development Goals focusing on reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.
“We have to train more nurses who are now currently unemployed to provide better RH services, education & patient counseling. I believe that with the bountiful number of nurses, we can mobilize more health educators & service providers to address many RH issues. That is why we are pushing for the RH Bill, because it will enhance the number of health providers & facilities in poor communities which do not have these services” said Alvin Dakis, President & CEO of AYNLA and is a sexual health nurse himself.
AYNLA is the only nursing organization who is very supportive of the bill and actively joins the passage of it. AYNLA believes that nurses can venture into reproductive & sexual health practice and venture to organizing RH centers or clinics. Nurses when trained can become excellent providers of family planning, reproductive & sexual health services. Nurses are also excellent health educators who can teach appropriately across age groups, in schools, companies & communities.
Dakis urges legislators to think of their poor constituents who cannot access to life-saving services, those who cannot access correct & full information & education on their reproductive & sexual health, and those young people who were refused to be informed about their sexuality, leaving them wandering for correct answers. “All of these can be provided by our nurses, train them & approve the bill” he said. Alvin Dakis, AYNLA
The Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders & Advocates International Inc. (AYNLA), a national nursing organization who is very supportive to the most-debated legislative measure, the RH Bill, shall gather its leaders from NCR and the regions to know more about the current state of maternal health and the importance of reproductive & sexual health to all people this coming October 8-9, 2011 at Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City.
AYNLA will release their National Manifesto of Support to Reproductive Health which will be signed by their national, regional and some local officers and shall be accepted by some RH champion legislators & heads of Civil Society Organizations in October 9th. Different medical & advocacy experts such as former DOH Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral, former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel are invited to speak & discuss about maternal & child health, reproductive & sexual health, comprehensive sexuality education, and the role of nurses in achieving the Millennium Development Goals focusing on reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.
“We have to train more nurses who are now currently unemployed to provide better RH services, education & patient counseling. I believe that with the bountiful number of nurses, we can mobilize more health educators & service providers to address many RH issues. That is why we are pushing for the RH Bill, because it will enhance the number of health providers & facilities in poor communities which do not have these services” said Alvin Dakis, President & CEO of AYNLA and is a sexual health nurse himself.
AYNLA is the only nursing organization who is very supportive of the bill and actively joins the passage of it. AYNLA believes that nurses can venture into reproductive & sexual health practice and venture to organizing RH centers or clinics. Nurses when trained can become excellent providers of family planning, reproductive & sexual health services. Nurses are also excellent health educators who can teach appropriately across age groups, in schools, companies & communities.
Dakis urges legislators to think of their poor constituents who cannot access to life-saving services, those who cannot access correct & full information & education on their reproductive & sexual health, and those young people who were refused to be informed about their sexuality, leaving them wandering for correct answers. “All of these can be provided by our nurses, train them & approve the bill” he said. Alvin Dakis, AYNLA
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Youth and students to lead national day of the purple ribbon for RH
Youth RH campaigners in several cities are calling for a national day of the purple ribbon on Friday, October 7 to ask Congress to vote on the RH bill. The nationally coordinated event is expected to mobilize thousands of supporters from community-based youth organizations, students, health workers and professionals, business and interfaith groups and local government units.
In Zamboanga City, a luncheon-press conference will be held in Sky Park Hotel, German Tower Tomas Claudio cor. Antonio Orendain St. to be followed by a “March for RH” at the Western Mindanao State University where a multi-sectoral assembly will also be held in the afternoon. In Legaspi City, RH advocates will hold a parade at the Penaranda Park as early as 6:30 a.m. The group will then motorcade to Naga City where a forum with city officials and RH supporters will be held in the afternoon. Another motorcade around Naga city will be organized after the forum. In Cebu City, a multi-sectoral forum and a motorcade will be organized in the afternoon on the same day.
Meanwhile, advocates in Central Luzon will converge in Angeles City for the Purple Ribbon March and a rally in Henson St., at 4:00 PM. At the National Capital Region, student councils from top universities in Metro Manila will join more than 300 youth from different communities at the AS steps, University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City at 5PM. A simultaneous candle lighting ceremony will take placeat 6PM in all the areas to highlight reproductive health issues of young people and the importance of the passage of the RH bill on the future of the Filipino youth.
Last September 7, the nationally coordinated purple ribbon for RH event was held in the Senate gate and in the cities of Baguio, Davao, and Iloilo where thousands participated in various mass actions for the RH bill.RH advocates are calling on Congress to act on the RH bill now since the debate on the controversial bill has already taken more than a decade and 11 mothers continue to die of pregnancy and childbirth complications daily due to lack of comprehensive services on maternal health and family planning. Eden R. Divinagracia, PNGOC
In Zamboanga City, a luncheon-press conference will be held in Sky Park Hotel, German Tower Tomas Claudio cor. Antonio Orendain St. to be followed by a “March for RH” at the Western Mindanao State University where a multi-sectoral assembly will also be held in the afternoon. In Legaspi City, RH advocates will hold a parade at the Penaranda Park as early as 6:30 a.m. The group will then motorcade to Naga City where a forum with city officials and RH supporters will be held in the afternoon. Another motorcade around Naga city will be organized after the forum. In Cebu City, a multi-sectoral forum and a motorcade will be organized in the afternoon on the same day.
Meanwhile, advocates in Central Luzon will converge in Angeles City for the Purple Ribbon March and a rally in Henson St., at 4:00 PM. At the National Capital Region, student councils from top universities in Metro Manila will join more than 300 youth from different communities at the AS steps, University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City at 5PM. A simultaneous candle lighting ceremony will take placeat 6PM in all the areas to highlight reproductive health issues of young people and the importance of the passage of the RH bill on the future of the Filipino youth.
Last September 7, the nationally coordinated purple ribbon for RH event was held in the Senate gate and in the cities of Baguio, Davao, and Iloilo where thousands participated in various mass actions for the RH bill.RH advocates are calling on Congress to act on the RH bill now since the debate on the controversial bill has already taken more than a decade and 11 mothers continue to die of pregnancy and childbirth complications daily due to lack of comprehensive services on maternal health and family planning. Eden R. Divinagracia, PNGOC
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Legal Experts Challenge Constitutionality of Seven Balanga Barangays Restricting Access to Contraceptives; Barangay Officials May Be Dismissed
“Legal experts Dean Pacifico Agabin and Professor Alfredo Tadiar and legal organizations such as the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers and EnGendeRights filed their position papers with the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Balanga, Bataan last Monday, September 5, challenging the constitutionality of the barangay ordinances restricting access to contraceptives. The Mayor and Vice-Mayor were also furnished copies of the four position papers last Monday.
The same position papers were also mailed yesterday to the seven Sangguniang Barangays urging them to junk said ordinances for being unconstitutional.
There are two more position papers, one by the Alternative Law Groups and another one by EnGendeRights on adolescent reproductive rights, which will be submitted within the next few days to the Balanga Sanggunian Panglunsod and the seven Sangguniang Barangays urging them to junk said ordinances.
The seven barangays with restrictive ordinances are Barangay Cupang Proper, Barangay Cupang West, Barangay Puerto Rivas Ibaba, Barangay Puerto Rivas Itaas, Barangay Puerto Rivas Lote, Barangay Tortugas, and Barangay Tanato. The seven barangay ordinances penalize the sale, promotion, advertisement, and prescription of modern contraceptives including hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs), prohibit barangay funds to be used for the purchase or provision of such contraceptives, prohibit barangay officials from soliciting, accepting, or dispensing such contraceptives, penalize business enterprises by declaring void their barangay permits for violating the provisions of the ordinances, penalize the conduct of sex education to minor students if this is done without prior consultation and written permission of the parents, and solely promote the so-called natural family planning method (NFP) in the seven Balanga barangays.
There are reports from local residents that the Sangguniang Barangay of Catangi drafted an identical ordinance but the Sangguniang Barangay decided to withhold the signing of its draft ordinance upon hearing that the seven barangay ordinances were going to be challenged.
“The provisions of the seven barangay ordinance in Balanga, Bataan can be struck down for being ultra vires, prejudicial to public welfare, unconstitutional, inconsistent with existing laws such as the Local Government Code of 1991, Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (RA 8504), and for violating international laws,” said Atty. Clara Rita Padilla, executive director of EnGendeRights.
Atty. Padilla added, “The ordinances prohibit rights that are constitutionally guaranteed. The ordinances infringe on the rights to reproductive health, equal protection of the law and privacy by unduly restricting access to legal, safe, and effective methods of contraception. These ordinances contribute to the unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths related to pregnancy, childbirth, and unsafe abortion which could be averted with increased access to modern contraceptives.”
“The ordinances passed by the seven barangays erroneously define contraceptives as abortifacient. This definition is not based on medical science but on the barangay officials’ conservative religious beliefs. The constitutional guarantees on separation of church and state and non-establishment of religion prohibit using conservative religious beliefs as basis for crafting our laws. Public officials must enact laws that ensure women’s right to life and health and public health and not those that aid religion. As decided by our Supreme Court, our standard in law should be secular standard and not religious standards. All these constitutional guarantees are there to maintain public good and uphold human rights,” Atty. Padilla continued.
Good governance demands ensuring the right to control one’s fertility with proper access to information, supplies and services on reproductive health including modern contraceptives and the right to sexuality education.
In light of the obligation of the Philippine government to protect women’s rights to equality, non-discrimination, life and health under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Magna Carta of Women, it is imperative that the Sangguniang Panglunsod and Sangguniang Barangays junk these unconstitutional ordinances.
Dismissal or Suspension of Barangay Officials who Enforce the Ordinances Despite Suspension
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Balanga City exercised its power of review on the ordinances and returned the same with its comments to the seven Sangguniang Barangays. Having done so, the effectivity of the barangay ordinance is suspended. Any barangay official who is enforcing the suspended ordinance may be suspended or dismissed under Sec. 58 of the Local Government Code (LGC).
Results of interviews with Barangay Officials and Health Centers at the Seven Barangays conducted on Wednesday, September 7, 2011:
Cupang Proper
Health Center- The Center does not allow injectables even if the women come to them with their own injectables. They don’t prescribe pills. One local organizer witnessed how a health provider outrightly rejected a woman last Wednesday who came to the Center seeking to get a ligation and they refused that woman saying ligation is prohibited at the Center.
Barangay- One barangay council member said they will warn a pharmacy if they found out that pharmacy was selling contraceptives.
Cupang West
Health Center- The Center does not prescribe pills.
Puerto Rivas Lote
Health Center – The Center does not prescribe contraceptives.
Barangay- The barangay hall has a tarpaulin claiming to show how pills kill fetuses.
Puerto Rivas Ibaba
Health Center – The Center does not allow injectables and actively promotes NFP. The Center does not prescribe contraceptives.
Barangay- The barangay actively conducts an education campaign discouraging the use of contraceptives. They have a plan to conduct a 27-week campaign to be held every Thursday educating its residents on why modern contraceptives should not be used. They also have a tarpaulin claiming to show how pills kill fetuses.
Tortugas
Health Center – The Center does not allow injectables and pills and does not prescribe contraceptives.
Barangay- The barangay is actively promoting the use of NFP and aims to have educated all couples in their barangay on NFP by the end of 2011.
Mounting Repression
There are reports that even before the ordinances were passed, all the health centers in the seven barangays did not provide free pills or free injection. Health service providers claim that they have an express order to prohibit pills coming from the City Health Officer. There are also reports from Barangay Health Workers that they are afraid of injecting women with injectables for fear of reprisal.
EnGendeRights staff personally witnessed how Barangay Health Workers were extremely fearful of attending our consultation leading to their strained decision not to attend our consultation for fear of losing their much-needed honorarium which was their main source of living.
These are examples of mounting repression by local government units in restricting access to modern contraceptives and infringing on the rights to sexual and reproductive health
Need for the Immediate Passage of a Comprehensive RH Bill into Law
“The fact that anti-choice fundamentalist groups have passed these restrictive ordinances provides additional rationale for the passage into law of a comprehensive Reproductive Health Care Law which identifies a clear program on reproductive health, disallowing restrictions on modern contraceptives, requiring budgetary allocation to make information and services on reproductive health more accessible especially to the poor and to adolescents who lack access to such information and services. These restrictive ordinances and the human rights violations provide evidence on the urgent need to immediately pass a comprehensive reproductive health care bill (RH bill) into law. A comprehensive RH law will prohibit local government officials from enacting these kinds of unreasonable and discriminatory ordinances,” said Atty. Padilla.
Filing of Complaints with the CHR and DILG
We are also filing of complaints against these local government officials with the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Interior and Local Government so that these reproductive rights violations will not be committed with impunity. Atty. Clara Rita “Claire” A. Padilla, Executive Director, EnGendeRights, Inc.
The same position papers were also mailed yesterday to the seven Sangguniang Barangays urging them to junk said ordinances for being unconstitutional.
There are two more position papers, one by the Alternative Law Groups and another one by EnGendeRights on adolescent reproductive rights, which will be submitted within the next few days to the Balanga Sanggunian Panglunsod and the seven Sangguniang Barangays urging them to junk said ordinances.
The seven barangays with restrictive ordinances are Barangay Cupang Proper, Barangay Cupang West, Barangay Puerto Rivas Ibaba, Barangay Puerto Rivas Itaas, Barangay Puerto Rivas Lote, Barangay Tortugas, and Barangay Tanato. The seven barangay ordinances penalize the sale, promotion, advertisement, and prescription of modern contraceptives including hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices (IUDs), prohibit barangay funds to be used for the purchase or provision of such contraceptives, prohibit barangay officials from soliciting, accepting, or dispensing such contraceptives, penalize business enterprises by declaring void their barangay permits for violating the provisions of the ordinances, penalize the conduct of sex education to minor students if this is done without prior consultation and written permission of the parents, and solely promote the so-called natural family planning method (NFP) in the seven Balanga barangays.
There are reports from local residents that the Sangguniang Barangay of Catangi drafted an identical ordinance but the Sangguniang Barangay decided to withhold the signing of its draft ordinance upon hearing that the seven barangay ordinances were going to be challenged.
“The provisions of the seven barangay ordinance in Balanga, Bataan can be struck down for being ultra vires, prejudicial to public welfare, unconstitutional, inconsistent with existing laws such as the Local Government Code of 1991, Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (RA 8504), and for violating international laws,” said Atty. Clara Rita Padilla, executive director of EnGendeRights.
Atty. Padilla added, “The ordinances prohibit rights that are constitutionally guaranteed. The ordinances infringe on the rights to reproductive health, equal protection of the law and privacy by unduly restricting access to legal, safe, and effective methods of contraception. These ordinances contribute to the unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths related to pregnancy, childbirth, and unsafe abortion which could be averted with increased access to modern contraceptives.”
“The ordinances passed by the seven barangays erroneously define contraceptives as abortifacient. This definition is not based on medical science but on the barangay officials’ conservative religious beliefs. The constitutional guarantees on separation of church and state and non-establishment of religion prohibit using conservative religious beliefs as basis for crafting our laws. Public officials must enact laws that ensure women’s right to life and health and public health and not those that aid religion. As decided by our Supreme Court, our standard in law should be secular standard and not religious standards. All these constitutional guarantees are there to maintain public good and uphold human rights,” Atty. Padilla continued.
Good governance demands ensuring the right to control one’s fertility with proper access to information, supplies and services on reproductive health including modern contraceptives and the right to sexuality education.
In light of the obligation of the Philippine government to protect women’s rights to equality, non-discrimination, life and health under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Magna Carta of Women, it is imperative that the Sangguniang Panglunsod and Sangguniang Barangays junk these unconstitutional ordinances.
Dismissal or Suspension of Barangay Officials who Enforce the Ordinances Despite Suspension
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Balanga City exercised its power of review on the ordinances and returned the same with its comments to the seven Sangguniang Barangays. Having done so, the effectivity of the barangay ordinance is suspended. Any barangay official who is enforcing the suspended ordinance may be suspended or dismissed under Sec. 58 of the Local Government Code (LGC).
Results of interviews with Barangay Officials and Health Centers at the Seven Barangays conducted on Wednesday, September 7, 2011:
Cupang Proper
Health Center- The Center does not allow injectables even if the women come to them with their own injectables. They don’t prescribe pills. One local organizer witnessed how a health provider outrightly rejected a woman last Wednesday who came to the Center seeking to get a ligation and they refused that woman saying ligation is prohibited at the Center.
Barangay- One barangay council member said they will warn a pharmacy if they found out that pharmacy was selling contraceptives.
Cupang West
Health Center- The Center does not prescribe pills.
Puerto Rivas Lote
Health Center – The Center does not prescribe contraceptives.
Barangay- The barangay hall has a tarpaulin claiming to show how pills kill fetuses.
Puerto Rivas Ibaba
Health Center – The Center does not allow injectables and actively promotes NFP. The Center does not prescribe contraceptives.
Barangay- The barangay actively conducts an education campaign discouraging the use of contraceptives. They have a plan to conduct a 27-week campaign to be held every Thursday educating its residents on why modern contraceptives should not be used. They also have a tarpaulin claiming to show how pills kill fetuses.
Tortugas
Health Center – The Center does not allow injectables and pills and does not prescribe contraceptives.
Barangay- The barangay is actively promoting the use of NFP and aims to have educated all couples in their barangay on NFP by the end of 2011.
Mounting Repression
There are reports that even before the ordinances were passed, all the health centers in the seven barangays did not provide free pills or free injection. Health service providers claim that they have an express order to prohibit pills coming from the City Health Officer. There are also reports from Barangay Health Workers that they are afraid of injecting women with injectables for fear of reprisal.
EnGendeRights staff personally witnessed how Barangay Health Workers were extremely fearful of attending our consultation leading to their strained decision not to attend our consultation for fear of losing their much-needed honorarium which was their main source of living.
These are examples of mounting repression by local government units in restricting access to modern contraceptives and infringing on the rights to sexual and reproductive health
Need for the Immediate Passage of a Comprehensive RH Bill into Law
“The fact that anti-choice fundamentalist groups have passed these restrictive ordinances provides additional rationale for the passage into law of a comprehensive Reproductive Health Care Law which identifies a clear program on reproductive health, disallowing restrictions on modern contraceptives, requiring budgetary allocation to make information and services on reproductive health more accessible especially to the poor and to adolescents who lack access to such information and services. These restrictive ordinances and the human rights violations provide evidence on the urgent need to immediately pass a comprehensive reproductive health care bill (RH bill) into law. A comprehensive RH law will prohibit local government officials from enacting these kinds of unreasonable and discriminatory ordinances,” said Atty. Padilla.
Filing of Complaints with the CHR and DILG
We are also filing of complaints against these local government officials with the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Interior and Local Government so that these reproductive rights violations will not be committed with impunity. Atty. Clara Rita “Claire” A. Padilla, Executive Director, EnGendeRights, Inc.
Groups joined National Day for the Purple Ribbon Campaign for RH
Purple shirts, bandanas, headwear, umbrellas, buttons and ribbons dominated the areas where more than four thousand leaders and representatives from various groups including non-government organizations, interfaith, academe, youth, women, community, and civil society groups together with local government officials, celebrities and RH personalities in Iloilo, Davao, Baguio and in the Philippine Senate main entrance gathered as they celebrated 7 September 2011 as the National Day of the Purple Ribbon Campaign for Reproductive Health.
The nationally coordinated mass action is a call for Congress to immediately put the long-delayed Reproductive Health (RH) bill to a vote. “Majority of the Filipino people has spoken, the President has spoken, that RH education and services must be provided particularly to poor couples” said Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), one of the main organizers of the event.
According to San Pascual results of various surveys and as affirmed by the massive show of support from various groups in the Purple Day for RH Campaign, only indicated loud call from the people for Congress to act on the pending measure immediately.
“The strong and broad support by ordinary folks in the provinces has shown that the clamor for the enactment of the RH bill is indeed very real and is reflective of the numbers shown by various survey results,” he said.
San Pascual said that there is no more reason for Congress to delay the voting of the RH bill since the people have spoken and the President and its Cabinet has already endorsed the measure. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, PLCPD
The nationally coordinated mass action is a call for Congress to immediately put the long-delayed Reproductive Health (RH) bill to a vote. “Majority of the Filipino people has spoken, the President has spoken, that RH education and services must be provided particularly to poor couples” said Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), one of the main organizers of the event.
According to San Pascual results of various surveys and as affirmed by the massive show of support from various groups in the Purple Day for RH Campaign, only indicated loud call from the people for Congress to act on the pending measure immediately.
“The strong and broad support by ordinary folks in the provinces has shown that the clamor for the enactment of the RH bill is indeed very real and is reflective of the numbers shown by various survey results,” he said.
San Pascual said that there is no more reason for Congress to delay the voting of the RH bill since the people have spoken and the President and its Cabinet has already endorsed the measure. Vigie Benosa-Llorin, Media Advocacy Officer, PLCPD
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Advocacy group praises PNOY for including RP-RH bill in LEDAC
Various groups commend our President, Hon. Benigno S. Aquino III for including the comprehensive responsible parenthood and reproductive health bill as one of the priority measures included in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“I commend PNOY for standing firm on his position on the RP-RH bill. His action just shows that he is listening to the voices of his constituents and this can help fast track the debate in both houses.” said by Dr. Eden Divinagracia, executive director of PNGOC.
“The Filipino people are longing for a national policy that can help in giving them adequate information and services pertaining to Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health. It has been more than 15 years since the first RH bill has been filed in congress and I believe that with PNOY as president, passage of this bill is imminent” added by Dr. Divinagracia.
PNGOC or the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) is a national umbrella organization with 97-members, national and local based NGOs involved in the promotion of reproductive health care such as maternal and child health, family planning, men’s reproductive health, women empowerment, STI/HIV/AIDS, sexuality education, reproductive and sexual health and gender and development. Dr. Eden Divinagracia, Executive Director, Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc. (PNGOC)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
PALACE AMENDMENTS DO NOT WATER DOWN RH BILL
The acceptable clarificatory amendments which President Aquino proposed to the RH bill (House Bill No. 4244 on “Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development”) which he endorsed as a priority administration measure to the Congress did not water down nor dilute the bill since its salient features have been retained.
The President himself rejected the insinuation that Malacañang watered down the RH bill as he explained that the principal provisions remain intact like freedom of informed choice, promotion of all medically safe, legal and effective methods of contraception, sexuality and reproductive health education among the young and adequate government funding.
In fact, the Office of the President did not anymore craft its own version of a responsible parenthood bill and instead endorsed for priority enactment HB 4244 which the President considered “more comprehensive”.
The proposal of the President to delete the provision on the “ideal family size of two children” has been previously submitted voluntarily by RH authors to the Committee on Population and Family Relations for adoption as committee amendments.
The following amendments suggested by Malacañang are acceptable to the RH advocates in the House of Representatives:
(1) Deletion of the phrase “sexual orientation” in the provision against discrimination found in the “Declaration of Policy” since non-discrimination based on “sex” is already encompassing;
(2) “Funding support to promote natural methods of family planning” considering that all forms of family planning which are medically safe, legal and effective are to be promoted, with the modification that funds will be appropriated for modern-natural family planning methods consistent with the primary condition of effectiveness and as required by acceptors;
(3) The requirement for accredited health facilities to provide a full range of modern family planning methods will be made optional to “hospitals owned and operated by a religious group” to respect religious beliefs;
(4) Mandatory age-appropriate reproductive health and sexuality education shall start from “Grade 6” instead of Grade 5;
(5) The teaching of values formation is modified by the phrase “with due regard to religious affiliation” in deference to religious beliefs; and
(6) The qualification that the liable public official who prohibits or restricts the delivery of legal and medically safe reproductive health care services shall be one who is “charged with duty to implement the provisions of this Act”. EDCEL C. LAGMAN
Monday, August 1, 2011
Groups push Public-Private Partnerships in facing climate change challenge
Amid heavy rains and floods brought by typhoon Juaning, environmental and health leaders from around the country gathered in a two-day conference July 28-29 in General Santos City to establish public-private partnerships (PPPs) that will help in facing the challenges of climate change.
The conference provides an opportunity for the public sector to work with private entities, especially with the business sector, in ensuring sustainability and replication of the successes of population, health and environment program intervention models showcased in different communities around the country.
Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Secretary Elisea Gozun, in her keynote message during the opening of the 4th National Conference on Population, Health, and Environment highlighted the importance of reducing risks from consequences of climate change. Gozuns stressed, “in taking necessary actions, we must first develop our biggest resource, our people.”
The conference dubbed, “Changing World, Changing Climate: Exploring Population, Health and Environment (PHE) Link for Effective Governance” was attended by more than 300 participants representing various non-government organizations, civil society and business groups, private individuals, national government agencies and local government units.
Roberto Ador, Executive Director of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), conference host and newly elected convenor observed that people in the rural areas can easily link the problems of population growth, environmental destruction, and poverty; however, they often lack the resources – family planning, conservation technologies, and alternative livelihoods – to break the destructive cycle of climate change.
Ador said, “The needs and demands of the burgeoning population are expected to escalate and further put a strain on the already depleted natural resources.” He added, “We believe that integrating intervention approaches are needed to address food security and poverty in the face of the alarming weather patterns, the severe effects of human activity on the environment, and congestion in urban areas it is more efficient than addressing them separately. Nandy Senoc/ Gessen Rocas, PHE
The conference provides an opportunity for the public sector to work with private entities, especially with the business sector, in ensuring sustainability and replication of the successes of population, health and environment program intervention models showcased in different communities around the country.
Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Secretary Elisea Gozun, in her keynote message during the opening of the 4th National Conference on Population, Health, and Environment highlighted the importance of reducing risks from consequences of climate change. Gozuns stressed, “in taking necessary actions, we must first develop our biggest resource, our people.”
The conference dubbed, “Changing World, Changing Climate: Exploring Population, Health and Environment (PHE) Link for Effective Governance” was attended by more than 300 participants representing various non-government organizations, civil society and business groups, private individuals, national government agencies and local government units.
Roberto Ador, Executive Director of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), conference host and newly elected convenor observed that people in the rural areas can easily link the problems of population growth, environmental destruction, and poverty; however, they often lack the resources – family planning, conservation technologies, and alternative livelihoods – to break the destructive cycle of climate change.
Ador said, “The needs and demands of the burgeoning population are expected to escalate and further put a strain on the already depleted natural resources.” He added, “We believe that integrating intervention approaches are needed to address food security and poverty in the face of the alarming weather patterns, the severe effects of human activity on the environment, and congestion in urban areas it is more efficient than addressing them separately. Nandy Senoc/ Gessen Rocas, PHE
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
P-Noy’s Women Bosses: SONA sans RH? You’re not above your ‘Wang-Wang’ Mindset
A group of women working in grassroots communities expressed strong disappointment over P-Noy’s State of the Nation Address which, they said was lacking both in depth and content.
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) likens President Aquino to a carpenter building a house but without a plan. “He aimlessly keeps on nailing things but has no vision of the house or plan on how the house will be constructed,” said Angsioco.
According to Angsioco, P-Noy’s SONA should have revisited his campaign promises as stated in his ‘Social Contract with the Filipino People.’ He failed to develop a concrete plan on how to achieve the 16 points in the contract, she stressed.
It is lamentable that the roadmap is still missing, Angsioco said. She shared that advocates are frustrated over the deliberate omission of Reproductive Health (RH) and the Freedom of Information (FOI) bills from the SONA. Angsioco stressed that these are crucial issues included in his campaign promises.
“This, we do not understand,” said Angsioco, “P-Noy continues to say in media that he supports RH and Responsible Parenthood bill, but he refuses to translate these statements into concrete action by pushing Congress to pass the bill,” she explains.
Angsioco said that advocates are wary that the non-inclusion of these controversial bills, especially RH, is PNoy's way of placating the bishops, whom he mentioned and profusely thanked in his speech for unknown reasons.
Moreover, the non-inclusion of these important issues can also be read as a manifestation of his lack of political will. He should actually be able to use his big political capital for these controversial issues but he chose to keep quiet, she continued.
“As far as wang-wang mindset is concerned, this we have to say: isn't making promises and not fulfilling them also part of it? After all, it's like making people believe you're going to do something about their problems but refusing to do it when you are already in power. Isn't this misuse of political power? If this is so, it would seem like PNoy's SONA showed us that he is not above the wang-wang mindset-- the very thing he fights against,” Angsioco ended. Rhoda Avila, DSWP
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) likens President Aquino to a carpenter building a house but without a plan. “He aimlessly keeps on nailing things but has no vision of the house or plan on how the house will be constructed,” said Angsioco.
According to Angsioco, P-Noy’s SONA should have revisited his campaign promises as stated in his ‘Social Contract with the Filipino People.’ He failed to develop a concrete plan on how to achieve the 16 points in the contract, she stressed.
It is lamentable that the roadmap is still missing, Angsioco said. She shared that advocates are frustrated over the deliberate omission of Reproductive Health (RH) and the Freedom of Information (FOI) bills from the SONA. Angsioco stressed that these are crucial issues included in his campaign promises.
“This, we do not understand,” said Angsioco, “P-Noy continues to say in media that he supports RH and Responsible Parenthood bill, but he refuses to translate these statements into concrete action by pushing Congress to pass the bill,” she explains.
Angsioco said that advocates are wary that the non-inclusion of these controversial bills, especially RH, is PNoy's way of placating the bishops, whom he mentioned and profusely thanked in his speech for unknown reasons.
Moreover, the non-inclusion of these important issues can also be read as a manifestation of his lack of political will. He should actually be able to use his big political capital for these controversial issues but he chose to keep quiet, she continued.
“As far as wang-wang mindset is concerned, this we have to say: isn't making promises and not fulfilling them also part of it? After all, it's like making people believe you're going to do something about their problems but refusing to do it when you are already in power. Isn't this misuse of political power? If this is so, it would seem like PNoy's SONA showed us that he is not above the wang-wang mindset-- the very thing he fights against,” Angsioco ended. Rhoda Avila, DSWP
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
ALLIED GOV’T BODIES TO BE RE-EXAMINED –BISHOPS
“We also assure you, our beloved people, that we shall re-examine the manner of our collaboration with government agencies for purposes of helping the poor, making sure that pastoral sensibilities are respected and the highest ethical standards are observed,” this was the statement given by former Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Nereo P. Odchimar, D.D. on 11 July 2011 posted at the CBCP website.
The pastoral statement entitled “A Time of Pain, A Time of Grace” (Karanasan ng hapdi, karanasan ng biyaya) contains the grief-stricken sentiment experiencing by the Mother Church caused by the recent anomaly involved by some Bishops and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Tandag Bishop Odchimar assured that the Bishops concerned in the anomaly are ready to accept their responsibility and to face the consequences of their action, if it would be proven unlawful, anomalous, and unconstitutional. However, the former CBCP President also assured that the action taken by the Bishops involved was done without malice.
Bishops on Basic Ecclesial Communities
Bishop Odchimar feels sorry for the pain and sadness that these events have brought upon to the society. He also cited that many of the Filipinos specially the youth and the poor –which the Church’ Basic Ecclesial Communities, have been confused because of the apparent inconsistency of their actions with their pastoral preaching.
In behalf of the CBCP, Bishop Odchimar expressed sadness and asked for an objective point of view on the issue. “We also ask you to be slow in judgment and to conscientiously seek the whole truth behind the controversy. Let us seek the truth always in charity,” the Bishop added. Yen Ocampo
The pastoral statement entitled “A Time of Pain, A Time of Grace” (Karanasan ng hapdi, karanasan ng biyaya) contains the grief-stricken sentiment experiencing by the Mother Church caused by the recent anomaly involved by some Bishops and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Tandag Bishop Odchimar assured that the Bishops concerned in the anomaly are ready to accept their responsibility and to face the consequences of their action, if it would be proven unlawful, anomalous, and unconstitutional. However, the former CBCP President also assured that the action taken by the Bishops involved was done without malice.
Bishops on Basic Ecclesial Communities
Bishop Odchimar feels sorry for the pain and sadness that these events have brought upon to the society. He also cited that many of the Filipinos specially the youth and the poor –which the Church’ Basic Ecclesial Communities, have been confused because of the apparent inconsistency of their actions with their pastoral preaching.
In behalf of the CBCP, Bishop Odchimar expressed sadness and asked for an objective point of view on the issue. “We also ask you to be slow in judgment and to conscientiously seek the whole truth behind the controversy. Let us seek the truth always in charity,” the Bishop added. Yen Ocampo
Women to Senate: No Special Treatment for Bishops during Senate Hearing
Following reports that some bishops are going to appear after the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) controversy, the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) urged the Senate not to treat the bishops any differently from ordinary people subjected to senate investigations.
Elizabeth Angsioco, DSWP National Chairperson, stressed that while all the rights of the bishops should be respected, they are also citizens subject to the laws of the land.
Angsioco urged the senators not go soft on them just because they are bishops. She said, “the Constitution, as well as our other laws covers ALL Filipinos, bishops included. The investigation should ascertain if the bishops, by soliciting money from the PCSO to buy vehicles, have violated the law.”
DSWP is a group of women advocates working in the grassroots communities.
Angsioco said that since the investigation is done ‘in aid of legislation’ Senators will not only look into how PCSO should be able to effectively help our people who are in dire need, but also ensure that constitutional provision should be truly enforced.
Quoting a constitutional provision that says, “no public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system or religion, or of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher….” Angsioco stressed that the bishops, in doing what they did, undermined this provision of the constitution.
Moreover, bishops also violated the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) policy against soliciting or accepting money from gambling, whether legal or illegal, even if this is to be used to help the poor. “Worst,” Angsioco added, “they deprived other people in dire need, those who could put the money given them in saving lives.”
She said that the Philippine Roman Catholic Church is a multi-billionaire church. Its various entities have at least 20Billion pesos in stocks of 7 corporations alone.
Angsioco laments, “the money they used to buy the controversial vehicles is a pittance compared to the billions they have idly lying in stocks. If they needed the vehicles, they could very well afford to buy even a thousand of those.”
“In fact, instead of competing against the poor for government money, the Roman Catholic Church should actually significantly help government in addressing urgent needs of poor Catholics,” she ended. Rhoda V. Avila, DSWP
Elizabeth Angsioco, DSWP National Chairperson, stressed that while all the rights of the bishops should be respected, they are also citizens subject to the laws of the land.
Angsioco urged the senators not go soft on them just because they are bishops. She said, “the Constitution, as well as our other laws covers ALL Filipinos, bishops included. The investigation should ascertain if the bishops, by soliciting money from the PCSO to buy vehicles, have violated the law.”
DSWP is a group of women advocates working in the grassroots communities.
Angsioco said that since the investigation is done ‘in aid of legislation’ Senators will not only look into how PCSO should be able to effectively help our people who are in dire need, but also ensure that constitutional provision should be truly enforced.
Quoting a constitutional provision that says, “no public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system or religion, or of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher….” Angsioco stressed that the bishops, in doing what they did, undermined this provision of the constitution.
Moreover, bishops also violated the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) policy against soliciting or accepting money from gambling, whether legal or illegal, even if this is to be used to help the poor. “Worst,” Angsioco added, “they deprived other people in dire need, those who could put the money given them in saving lives.”
She said that the Philippine Roman Catholic Church is a multi-billionaire church. Its various entities have at least 20Billion pesos in stocks of 7 corporations alone.
Angsioco laments, “the money they used to buy the controversial vehicles is a pittance compared to the billions they have idly lying in stocks. If they needed the vehicles, they could very well afford to buy even a thousand of those.”
“In fact, instead of competing against the poor for government money, the Roman Catholic Church should actually significantly help government in addressing urgent needs of poor Catholics,” she ended. Rhoda V. Avila, DSWP
Friday, July 8, 2011
‘Pork Barrel’ on the RH Bill meant to Deflect Bishops’ Scandals, says Women’s Group
Reacting to reports that Sen. Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson may withdraw his support from the Reproductive Health (RH) bill if a provision to add P300M to each of members of House of Representatives’ pork barrel for condom distribution will be included in the bill, Elizabeth Angsioco, staunch RH supporter and women’s right advocate, said that there is no truth to the issue.
Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), a group of women advocates working in grassroots communities explains that there is nothing in the RH Bill that says anything about adding on to pork barrel. “This possibly is brought about by another disinformation drive by those who are vehemently opposing the bill,” expressed Angsioco.
According to her, the only provision that may have been twisted to make it appear that there will be additional pork is the one on 'mobile health clinic' which mandates each Congressional district to purchase a van or any appropriate mode of transportation to bring health services nearer to people, even those in difficult to reach areas. “If this is the provision referred to, it is hard to imagine how some people can be against something that will definitely improve poor people's access to health services,” she said.
“The good Senator is one of the authors of the RH bill and his support is valuable to its passage, It is possible that some opponents of the bill are trying to weaken his position on the bill. It’s also possible that anti-RH groups may be looking for ways to deflect public attention from the scandals involving their champions – some of the bishops. They of course know that the pajero issue is destroying the bishops’ credibility”
Angsioco appealed to Senator Lacson to investigate further and ask those who told him about the pork barrel in the RH bill to show him the provision/s referred to. The Senator is quite smart and we trust that he will not allow himself to be used by these groups.
“We call on the anti-RH groups to help pursue the truth in the SUV scandal instead of trying to take attention away from the bishops by misinforming the public about the RH bill. If they are truly for morality, they will go against anything immoral, whoever is involved, even the bishops” she ended. -30- Rhoda V. Avila, DSWP
Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), a group of women advocates working in grassroots communities explains that there is nothing in the RH Bill that says anything about adding on to pork barrel. “This possibly is brought about by another disinformation drive by those who are vehemently opposing the bill,” expressed Angsioco.
According to her, the only provision that may have been twisted to make it appear that there will be additional pork is the one on 'mobile health clinic' which mandates each Congressional district to purchase a van or any appropriate mode of transportation to bring health services nearer to people, even those in difficult to reach areas. “If this is the provision referred to, it is hard to imagine how some people can be against something that will definitely improve poor people's access to health services,” she said.
“The good Senator is one of the authors of the RH bill and his support is valuable to its passage, It is possible that some opponents of the bill are trying to weaken his position on the bill. It’s also possible that anti-RH groups may be looking for ways to deflect public attention from the scandals involving their champions – some of the bishops. They of course know that the pajero issue is destroying the bishops’ credibility”
Angsioco appealed to Senator Lacson to investigate further and ask those who told him about the pork barrel in the RH bill to show him the provision/s referred to. The Senator is quite smart and we trust that he will not allow himself to be used by these groups.
“We call on the anti-RH groups to help pursue the truth in the SUV scandal instead of trying to take attention away from the bishops by misinforming the public about the RH bill. If they are truly for morality, they will go against anything immoral, whoever is involved, even the bishops” she ended. -30- Rhoda V. Avila, DSWP
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Women’s Group: Investigate ‘Kadiri’ Bishops
Amid Bishops’ involvement in the scandalous Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and money released by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), a group of women advocates working in grassroots communities urged the government to pursue investigation and penalize those who will be proven guilty.
“There should be no sacred cows, even members of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) are subject to our laws,” said Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), staunch supporter of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill and advocate of women’s rights. “The guilty must be punished,” she stressed.
DSWP, a national organization of more than forty thousand members, underscores the hypocrisy behind the issue. Angsioco said that it is lamentable that those who position themselves as vanguards of morality are the ones involved in this immoral issue. “They wrongly allege that the RH bill will make people immoral and yet they are involved in accepting money and expensive vehicles from gambling. What is moral about this?”
She explains, “receiving luxury vehicles and money from government violates the Constitutional provision stating that no public money may be used for any religious group as part of the Constitution’s provisions on the separation of church and State.”
“Moreover, it robbed poor people of possible assistance they needed that instead went to the bishops. It is common knowledge that ordinary people in dire need, often with family members in life or death situations literally beg when they approach PCSO for assistance. Often, they receive a pittance. And yet, millions of public money that could have saved lives were used for luxury vehicles for bishops. Nasaan ang konsyensya ng mga bishops na ito? What these Pajero bishops did was both immoral and illegal.”
“These kadiri bishops need to be investigated and if proven guilty, suffer appropriate penalties together with involved government officials, past and present,” stressed Angsioco. “Ito ang kadiri.” -30- Rhoda V. Avila, DSWP
“There should be no sacred cows, even members of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) are subject to our laws,” said Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), staunch supporter of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill and advocate of women’s rights. “The guilty must be punished,” she stressed.
DSWP, a national organization of more than forty thousand members, underscores the hypocrisy behind the issue. Angsioco said that it is lamentable that those who position themselves as vanguards of morality are the ones involved in this immoral issue. “They wrongly allege that the RH bill will make people immoral and yet they are involved in accepting money and expensive vehicles from gambling. What is moral about this?”
She explains, “receiving luxury vehicles and money from government violates the Constitutional provision stating that no public money may be used for any religious group as part of the Constitution’s provisions on the separation of church and State.”
“Moreover, it robbed poor people of possible assistance they needed that instead went to the bishops. It is common knowledge that ordinary people in dire need, often with family members in life or death situations literally beg when they approach PCSO for assistance. Often, they receive a pittance. And yet, millions of public money that could have saved lives were used for luxury vehicles for bishops. Nasaan ang konsyensya ng mga bishops na ito? What these Pajero bishops did was both immoral and illegal.”
“These kadiri bishops need to be investigated and if proven guilty, suffer appropriate penalties together with involved government officials, past and present,” stressed Angsioco. “Ito ang kadiri.” -30- Rhoda V. Avila, DSWP
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