MALOLOS CITY – For officials of the Diocese of Malolos, there is no doubt that the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill will be 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 the massive Bulacan “Rally for Life” today (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, 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 are pro, 14 are anti-RH Bill, ang laki ng gap,” he said.
“It’s understandable, kasi parang kinuha lang yung uneducated at unemployed at sinabing this is for you, pero di nila ineducate. Paraang sinabi lang nila na this is for you, and you have to support it,” he added.
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.
They are Representatives 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 Representatives Magtanggol Gunigundo and Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City made a commitment with Oliveros to make a stand against RH Bill.
Valenzuela used to be part of the province of Bulacan until it became part of Metro Manila in the 70s. However, the clergy and the parishes in the city remain under the leadership of the Diocese of Malolos.
“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, 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 made a pro-life stand.
All Bulacan officials were invited by the diocese to join the rally for life today. It will start at the provincial capitol then to Basilica Minore here where Oliveros will hold mass.
The said rally is expected to draw thousands as each of the 107 parishes under the diocese pledged to send 100 to 500 participants.
