Santiago lauds MVP in RH stance

by Christopher Tigno

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago praised business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan for supporting the Reproductive Health Bill during her speech at the UP College of Social Work and Development on September 25.

Santiago, an author and co-sponsor of the bill, commended Pangilinan for courageously declaring his support despite backlash from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“My only prayer is that more people would be as independent-minded as Manny,” she said. 

“The RH Bill would be beneficial to our people, especially the poor. No one can help us but ourselves.”

Pangilinan, who has a close family ties with Santiago, had recently pulled out his support on Ateneo, which he financially supported in the past, due to the opposing views regarding the RH Bill and mining.

In a letter to Ateneo President Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J., Pangilinan said, “I do not agree with some of the CBCP’s pronouncements, including its recent stance on the RH Bill. At times, I believe the CBCP has taken positions contrary to the interest of our country.”

Along with co-sponsor Senator Pia Cayetano, Santiago is actively pushing for the passage of the RH Bill in the Senate.

Santiago is disappointed as the Senate leadership has yet to schedule the RH Bill for plenary amendments.

“The Senate has not taken up the RH Bill for weeks. Why are they dragging their feet?” she said. “Let’s just put it to a vote. The RH Bill is over ten years old; it is cowardly to keep postponing the decision.”