Pro-RH lawmaker booed after delivering speech at plenary

The plenary discussions on the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill at the House of Representatives on Tuesday became heated after pro-life groups booed a lawmaker who delivered a speech supporting the measure. The portion of the plenary’s gallery occupied by religious groups and members of pro-life organizations jeered Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin after she finished her sponsorship speech supporting House Bill 4244 or the consolidated RH bill. Deputy Speaker Lorenzo Tañada III, who was presiding the session, immediately demanded order in the plenary, prompting House security officers to approach the portion of the gallery occupied by groups opposing the passage of HB 4244. Garin then went back to the podium and asked the groups “to honor the Congress." “May I remind our invited guests here to honor Congress. We are not institution controlled by a few religious leaders," she said.

She also appealed to the groups who booed her to give the chamber a chance to discuss the bill. “I stand here for what I believe what is right. If oppositors have questions, I am ready to answer them." Last week, plenary discussions on the bill were delayed for almost two hours after lawmakers opposed to the proposed measure questioned the quorum and even the attire of one congressman. On Tuesday, the session hall’s gallery was still jampacked with students, members of religious groups and RH bill advocates who wanted to witness the initial deliberations on the controversial measure. A majority of all House members is needed to pass the RH bill for submission to the Senate, which can either adopt it or pass its own version of the bill. After this, the bicameral conference committee will be convened to reconcile the respective versions of the House and Senate. Once the committee approves the bill, it will be returned to the House and Senate for ratification. It will then be submitted to Malacañang for the president’s signature. - KBK, GMA News