'Only the truth please,' Garin appeals to critics as RH debate in House heightens
Deliberations are in full-swing in the Lower House of Congress on the planned passage of Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.
As such, talks on and off the floor -- nationwide too -- have been livened anew by sentiments for and against the bill.
Iloilo's First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin, RH proponent, remains optimistic that congressional support will be maintained and strengthened.From her end, Garin stressed that no amount of pressure will change her pro-RH stance. It is time, she said, that every Filipino is given the choice with government's help to raise healthier and happier families.
The lady solon decried though the misinformation and "fear factor" instilled in the minds of the public by anti-RH groups.
"Only the truth please," Garin appealed."Again, we stress, Reproductive Health is not and never about abortion, it is about responsible parenthood.It is about choice, it is about quality life that all of us deserve."
Meantime, House debates on RH bill generated a statement of concern from House Speaker Prospero Nograles.
In a press release from the Public Relations and Information Department of the Lower House, Nograles used the 'occasion' to put out a reminder.
"Let's observe proper parliamentary decorum at all times," the Speaker told members of the House.
Such, he added, is important if only to protect "at all times," the integrity of the House of Representatives.
"....Speaker Prospero C. Nograles today called for sobriety among the contending forces in the public debate over sensitive and controversial issues like the proposed legislation on reproductive health which had, in many instances, created animosities among lawmakers and their supporters," the press release went. "We can agree to disagree but it should be within the bounds of proper parliamentary decorum. We must not allow emotions to reign over reason.The war of ideas must not evolve into a war of verbal indignities."
And keep it open, honest, and informed debates too, the Speaker in same press release continued.
"... but with utmost consideration for proper parliamentary decorum and mutual respect "so that we can maintain the dignity and sanctity of the halls of Congress as the main crucible of public opinion.It is on the strength of reason that issues must be resolved, not the strong voice of anger and hysteria. We can resolve things without disrespect for one another's religious or political beliefs and social inclinations or affiliations," Nograles said.