Palace: Aquino never pushed for RH bill

President Benigno Aquino III has never pushed for the controversial reproductive health bill even during the campaign period, Malacañang clarified on Wednesday. At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said ever since he was a presidential candidate, Aquino favored responsible parenthood in the belief that decision-making regarding family planning should be left to the parents. “There’s that misconception that the President is pushing the RH bill entirely in the campaign. We have always been very consistent that his stand was always for responsible parenthood," Valte said. “The choice is left to the parents after they have all the available information given to them and they will make the choice according to their personal belief," she added. She stressed that the President does not favor any family planning method over the other. Valte was reacting to Sen. Pia Cayetano’s statement that the non-inclusion of the reproductive health bill in the government’s list of priority legislation showed Aquino’s “indecisive leadership." Women’s group Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) said the non-inclusion of the bill was a “betrayal" of the people who voted for Aquino in the May 10 elections. Elizabeth Angsioco, DSWP national chairperson, said many women voted for Aquino because of his pro-reproductive health bill stance during the campaign. “His withdrawal of support to the RH bill totally ignores the rights and welfare of women, particularly the poor women, who because of his inaction, will continue to be under threat of complications related with pregnancy and childbirth," she said. She said women’s organizations have repeatedly requested for a dialogue with Aquino on the issue, “but we were, and are continuously ignored, instead he gave in to the whims of the Catholic hierarchy." Valte said she was not aware of any request but added that she would check. Aquino is set to present the 17 priority bills when he convenes for the first time the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting on February 28. — Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News