Noy urged to endorse RH Bill during 3rd SONA

(The Philippine Star) MANILA, Philippines - One of the authors of the Reproductive Health Bill at the House of Representatives is urging President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to endorse the measure during his third State of the Nation Address next week. In a statement, House members also expressed certainty the chief executive will include in his speech the administration’s gains in promoting good governance and economic stability in the country. Rep. Janette Garin (1st District, Iloilo), a Senior Deputy Majority Leader, said these two subjects will most likely be included in the annual report of the President to Congress and the public. “The President’s SONA will probably tackle the economic achievements of the administration and the progress on its transparency and good governance agenda, and their good effects on our country,” Garin said. Garin, also the Vice Chairperson of the House Committees on Health and on Population and Family Relations, expressed hope the President would endorse in his SONA the RH Bill which has been under the period of plenary interpellations in the House since May 17, 2011. Garin is author of House Bill 101 which is among the six RH bills consolidated and substituted by House Bill 4244 or the proposed “Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development.” The bill is principally authored by Rep. Edcel Lagman (1st District, Albay) and co-authored by Garin and 102 other lawmakers. She said the SONA might also touch on the government’s pro-poor programs under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the territorial conflict between the Philippines and China, and the advantages of the sin tax reform bill which the House passed on third reading prior to the June 6 adjournment. Gunigundo, also a Deputy Majority Leader and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, said he expects the SONA to reflect the positive results of the administration’s efforts in good governance, economic stability and education reforms. The SONA will also probably state where the country stands in accomplishing the Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015 according to Gunigundo. These MDG goals are : Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; Achieving universal primary education; Promoting gender equality and empowering women; Reducing child mortality rates; Improving maternal health; Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; Ensuring environmental sustainability; and, Developing a global partnership for development. Rep. Roger Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte), Chairman of the Committee on Transportation said the President is likely to discuss the accomplishments and plans of the administration in sustaining the good governance campaign which is essential to the country’s development. “The SONA will be about sustaining the right and straight path, and also about patriotism, all meant for our nation’s progress,” said Mercado.

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