ENRILE, JOKER CONFIDENT OF COMPROMISE ON RH BILL
MANILA, MAY 23, 2011 (STAR) By Christina Mendez - Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Joker Arroyo see a possible compromise on the Reproductive Health (RH) bill.
However, Enrile and Arroyo cautioned the administration and the Catholic Church over the impact on the public of heated arguments on the issue.
Arroyo said the administration might be shaken to some extent if the heated exchange and name-calling are not stopped.
"If the harsh words are exchanged, feelings are hurt – which we should avoid," he said.
Enrile said the RH issue has become sensitive and would divide the country "very terribly."
"When you deal with the problem of faith, faith of people or religion, that's really intense," he said.
"Many commit suicide over such issues. In other countries they burn themselves."
Arroyo said during the Commonwealth era, a bill was passed in the national assembly imposing religious instruction in public schools but this was vetoed by President Manuel Quezon.
In 1956, a law mandated the teaching of "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," he added.
Arroyo said passages critical to the Church in Rizal's two novels were not expurgated.
In the end, a compromise was made to allow abridged versions in grade and high schools, and a complete version in college, he added.
Speaking over radio dzBB, Arroyo said the RH bill has been debated in the past two Congresses, off and on, including discussions on amendments.
"This is a complicated bill," he added.
"Once presented on the floor, this will go to plenary debates. Along the way, there could be amendments so that it will be acceptable to all."
Arroyo said the support of President Aquino does not assure passage of the RH bill.
"I don't think so, I don't know, maybe the four Liberal (senators) will tow President Noynoy (Aquino), I do not know about the others," he said.
"We must remember that almost all the senators are Catholics. Most of them are, they grapple also with their conscience."
Enrile said the RH bill may not be approved before Congress adjourns sine die on June 7.
"There may not be enough time to complete the debates on the bill," he said. "It may have to be taken up in the next session."
He expects the bill to be sponsored before the last day of session on June 7 but the debates will be put on hold because of the adjournment, Enrile said.
The sine die adjournment starts on June 10 and lasts until July 24.
The next session of Congress will start July 25, when Aquino is expected to deliver his second State of the Nation Address before the two houses of Congress.
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