The Philippine Commission on Women yesterday rallied the support of Negrenses for the passage of the controversial Reproductive (RH) Bill, and again claimed that it is not a “pro-abortion” law.

PCW Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa sought the help of the Provincial Council for Women to help disseminate information, to clarify misconceptions on the RH bill.

The PCW was known as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women until August 14, 2009 and it is the primary policy-making and coordinating body on women and gender equality concerns.
Verzosa, who spoke at the 18th year anniversary of PCW yesterday at Business Inn Hotel in Bacolod City said the RH bill aims to provide women and couples a choice to decide for themselves on family planning methods.

Silay City Councilor Marie June Pavillar-Castro, chairwoman of the Provincial Council for Women, said “ it is a right as women and couples to be able to plan their families”.

Verzosa also called supporters of the RH bill to make their stand known to Negrense solons, who are voting for its passage.

House Bill 4244 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Bill allows poor and marginalized women access to free reproductive health services and supplies. It also allows government to provide funding support for the promotion of modern methods of family planning, the group said.

Women’s group, DAWN Foundation Inc., earlier expressed support to the RH bill.

Verzosa also said that Region 6 posted the highest number of Violence Against Women cases in the Philippines, with a total of 2,772, last year, and accounts for 21.4 percent of total VAW cases in the country.

Silay Councilor Marie June Pavillar Castro, who is the new PCW chairperson, assisted Verzosa.*GPB

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