Gabriela still open to sit with bishops on RH

MANILA -- Gabriela party-list Representative Emmi De Jesus on Saturday said “there is always a favorable atmosphere” for a discussion on the reproductive health (RH) bill."

“There is always a favorable atmosphere for a dialogue if it is about respect for human rights and recognition of the voice and needs of marginalized and disadvantaged Filipinos,” De Jesus said in response to Monsignor Figura, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“We believe there is still room for creating a third platform, where the best interests of women and children are held in equally high regard. We also believe that the Church must pay attention to women's voices because a look around the pews on Sundays will reveal that they comprise the majority of today's church goers," she added.

Representatives of the party-list Gabriela are just two of the proponents of the RH measure now pending for second reading approval in the House of Representatives. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)