Anti-RH solon says Lagman ‘allergic to God’

A congressman opposing the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill on Tuesday called Minority Floor Leader Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the authors of the measure, “allergic to God" after the latter maintained that he will not answer religious queries during plenary debates. Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia accused Lagman of having “situational" Roman Catholic beliefs after the pro-RH legislator asserted Congress’ independence from the Church in passing laws. “All of us believe in God. Our belief is not situational. We believe in God anywhere and everywhere," Garcia said during interpellation on the measure on Tuesday. Lagman countered Garcia’s statement by saying that the debate on House Bill 4244 or the consolidated RH bill should focus on the salient points of the measure and not on “religious dogma." “I am not allergic to God. I am allergic to your uncalled-for homily," Lagman told Garcia during the plenary debate. The pro-RH lawmaker also argued that the Philippines is a “secular state" that is “under God but not under bishops." “In the sphere of legislation, this Congress is independent and with full authority to legislate... Render unto Caesar what is to Caesar and to God what is to God," he said. Garcia was already wrapping up his hour-long interpellation as of posting time. Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez will be the next to ask questions on the RH bill. - Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News