Church: Bulacan legislators 'assure' support vs RH drive

MALOLOS CITY– In mind of officials of the Diocese of Malolos, there is no doubt that controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill will approved by the legislative branch of government.

However, they announced that they have secured commitment from five Bulacan legislators and the provincial government to make a pro-life stand.

This came as they prepare for a massive Bulacan Rally for Life this Friday, which they expect to draw tens of thousands of parishioners from 107 parishes of the diocese from the province and the City of Valenzuela.

Monsignor Manny Villaroman, the chair of the Commission on Family and Life of the diocese said proponents of RH bill made sure it will be acceptable to the poor and the less educated.

“Sa katunayan mananalo ang pro-RH Bill because as it stands today, the last survey, 54 is pro, 14 is anti-RH Bill, ang laki ng gap,” he said.

But not everything is lost for the Church as Bishop Jose Francisco Oliveros talked and convinced five Bulacan congressmen to take a pro-life stand.

These included Reps. Marivic Alvarado (1st District, Lakas), Pedro Pancho (2nd District, Lakas), Joselito Mendoza (3rd District, Liberal Party), Linabelle Villarica (4th District,LP), and Arthur Robes of the lone district of San Jose Del Monte City.

Even Reps. Magtanggol Gunigundo and Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City made a commitment to make a stand against RH Bill.

“Bishop Oliveros have talked to them and they made the commitment,” Villaroman said.
However, he said that all five representatives have not made public announcement of their stand on RH Bill.

Meanwhile, Father Dario Cabral, the chair of the Commission on Mass Media of the diocese said the church did not influence the legislators’ commitment with the bishop.

“It is their own decision and we think they decided based on their conviction and on what is right,” Cabral said.

He added that even Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado has also made a pro-life stand.
Tomorrow’s rally will be held from the Provincial Capitol to Basilica Minore here where Oliveros will hold mass.