This entry seems a bit late considering the amount of time that happened since the event. But I feel that the RH bill deserves to be mentioned, especially since I am in favor of its implementation. From the way I see it, this bill is quite promising.
Critics point out that the 3B pesos should have been used to provide jobs, build more schools, etc. claiming that these would be more helpful to solve the poverty situation. Apparently, RH bill’s primary goal is not to alleviate poverty, but to make sure that everyone gets to be properly educated about their options regarding family planning. “Informed choice” is the key phrase here.
Some, if not most, people may know about the options available for them. However, availability is different from accessibility, which is something that the RH bill is expected to provide. One could not expect a family that earns an amount below the minimum wage to easily avail of the contraceptives that they may use. In this situation, the priority of that family’s breadwinner(s) would be their daily sustenance, which is most possibly still barely enough for all the family members. The bill may not readily address the poverty issue, because its approach is meant to be somewhat proactive, not reactive. But if it does help later on, then that would be good.
Currently, the Congress and the Senate has ratified the bill and it is now waiting for President Aquino’s signature. His final ink stroke would ensure that bill will become a law. I’m looking forward to that day.
Footsteps and Sighs 