On the passage of the Responsible Parenthood Bill on 3rd reading at the Senate and the House of Representatives

Our legislature took an historic vote today for women and families-- as it successfully passed the Responsible Parenthood Bill. We thank our Senators and Congressmen who voted for access to information and care. We are particularly grateful to Speaker Sonny Belmonte; Majority Floor Leader Boyet Gonzales; Congressman Edcel Lagman who authored this bill and shepherded it through for more than a decade; Senator Pia Cayetano, who waged an equally difficult battle in the Senate; and every legislator who voted for this measure. 

They have made it even clearer: The people now have the government on their side as they raise their families in a manner that is just and empowered.

As President Aquino asked, our representatives voted according to conscience. Discussions regarding this bill were heated and did not lack for passionate advocates from either side. Despite this, our legislators fulfilled their duties with honor: they crafted a law that can truly address the needs of our people.

The passage of the Responsible Parenthood Bill signals not only a new chapter in our agenda of inclusive growth; it also begins a process of healing for the wounds that may have been opened by an often feisty democracy. We are confident that positive, meaningful engagement between the different branches of government will continue.

Let all Filipinos now come together in unity for the future of the country that we all love.(Press release)