Human Rights Online Philippines

Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia: Extend debate on Reproductive Health Bill | Sun.Star.

July 30, 2012

CEBU CITY –- At least two of Cebu’s congressmen do not believe that the time has come to end the interpellation on the Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

“Daghan pang punto ang akong ipadayag (I have more points to raise),” said Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia (Cebu Province, second district). “Those who opposed the bill should be given the right to speak against it. I have registered my right to speak against the bill.”

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. recently said the House will vote on August 7 whether to terminate or continue floor interpellation and debate on the bill.

This process began more than a year ago on May 17, 2011.

Garcia, however, said many congressmen did not have their chance to interpellate, including himself and Sarangani Representative Manuel Pacquiao.

Both lawmakers oppose the controversial bill.

“I think as defined under our rules, the time to close the debates has not yet come,” said Garcia’s son, Representative Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district).

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