The 2010 campaign season has seen population and reproductive health as top-of-mind issues for the voting public. Despite pronouncements from the Catholic Church to discourage voters from candidates supporting the Reproductive Health Bill (RA 5043 in its current incarnation), a recent Social Weather Station Survey shows that 38% of voters will throw their support behind such candidates, while only 6% would vote against pro-RH politicians.

If only the candidates were as forthcoming. At this point in the campaign, none of the presidentiables have explicitly expressed support for the RH bill per se, with the candidates equally divided on their stands.

Former president Joseph Erap Estrada of Pwersa ng Masa cites the need to curb the population and — in his recently released platform of government — has expressed support for the passing of a Reproductive Health Bill during his term.

Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Noynoy Aquino fully supports the crafting of a population policy and is open to reviewing the RH bill. He wishes to interpellate the provision of a hospital budget for contraceptives, as this might lead some hospital staff into pushing people for contraceptives instead of offering them a choice. Otherwise, he believes that there is a need for an RH Bill and for a morally-sound sex education curriculum delivered by responsible educators.

Bangon Pilipinas’s Eddie Villanueva, and independent candidate Nicanor Perlas propose conditional support for the bill. Villanueva and Perlas call for a review of the bill and a stakeholders’ dialogue respectively, to ensure that it addresses all concerns. Both favor artificial methods as well, provided they are not abortifacients.

Three presidential candidates have expressly voiced their anti-RH Bill stance. JC De los Reyes cites Ang Kapatiran’s moral platform, and will only support natural family planning and responsible parenthood. Lakas-CMD-Kampi standard bearer Gibo Teodoro notes that he never formally supported the RH Bill while he was in Congress, though he has considered supporting both then and now; with the acrimonious debate surrounding the bill, he has since decided to support freedom of choice — for couples to decide how to plan their family, and for schools to include sex education in their curriculum. Also identifying himself as a pro-lifer, Nacionalista Party’s Manny Villar has said that he is against the RH Bill; he favors proper values teaching, but does not agree with compulsory sex education.

The remaining candidates are non-committal, but nonetheless have made statements regarding the issue of population. Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan does not mention his personal stand, but insists that the RH Bill will not be approved; he is, however, in favor of sex education in schools. Independent candidate Sen. Jamby Madrigal is also in favor of sex education, but opposes government spending on contraception, as it is a possible source of corruption.

Among the senatorial candidates, however, there seem to be more pro-RH Bill candidates. The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development has compiled a list of candidates’ positions on the RH Bill, based on official Congress documents — whether they co-authored the bill, or signed the report; their actions during session deliberations; media statements; and previous positions on reproductive health.  List follows below:

        

Sex and Sensibilities commits itself to keep you up to date on all things sexy, sassy and government savvy. Together with our partner, Mulat Pinoy, we will  to tackle the issues of population and development. Those are big words, for sure! But we’ve cut them up into bite sized pieces and related them to other issues directly impacted by our rapidly growing population like education, religion and food supply.

We hope that you will use this information to vote wisely. KICK-SAS on May 11.

The first of the article series on population and development will be about education. It is not unheard of for older siblings to stop going to school so the younger children in the family can continue studying. Studies show that only 28% of high school graduates proceed to college.

But what do the youth really think about this? Hear it straight from them and see how the increasing population affects their education and lives.

• Mulat Pinoy: Population and Social Media in the 2010 Elections’ is a joint project of the Probe Media Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Center for Population and Development.

        

The listing was drafted due to the numerous requests from voters. The DSWP based the list on years of advocacy for the passage of the RH Bill and specifically: the political mapping in the House of Representatives (HOR) done by advocates principally by the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), observations and direct dealings with candidates and/or people closely working with them, track record of candidates on the issue and lastly, their public pronouncements.

Angsioco clarifies, “This listing is by no means intended to be exhaustive particularly for the HOR where party list groups are not included. Also, only considered are incumbents whose position have been obvious or stated whether in Congress records, articulation and/or actions. Only a few local candidates who have strong RH track record are included primarily because of lack of information about other candidates.”

“This list is NOT intended to convince voters to only vote on the basis of candidates’ RH position but rather, to encourage people to significantly consider pro-RH candidates in choosing their bets. Lastly, the list should be taken within the context of a political/electoral environment perceived to be influenced by the Catholic Church hierarchy, and thus, some candidates’ positions may still change before the elections.”, concludes Angsioco.

For President

 
Aquino, Noynoy
Prior to becoming a presidential candidate, he had no articulated position. NOT a signatory to the Senate Committee Report on RH BUT mistakenly said that he was. Initially, was openly clashing against the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on the issue. Keen on providing RH information BUT at best, wary about providing budget for services Recent pronouncements on RH are vague.

Estrada, Joseph
Pro-family planning but unclear on other important RH-related matters

Gordon, Richard
Known as pro-RH but has not CLEARLY articulated his detailed position on key RH matters such as: budget, family planning, RH education

Perlas, Nicanor
Articulated support for RH BUT no concrete position on critical RH matters.

Teodoro, Gilbert
Initially a strong RH supporter and openly clashed against the CBCP. Wife, Rep. Nikki Prieto among co-authors of RH Bill in this Congress. Reported to have backed out from RH but recent pronouncements while softer and vaguer than before are still pro-RH. Nikki Prieto HAS NOT officially withdrawn her RH co-authorship of the Bill.

For Vice-President

Legarda, Loren
Senate RH Bill only moved significantly when she took over as Chair of Comm. On Health. She organized Sub-Comm on RH headed by RH author Sen. Biazon. She signed Comm. Report. NO direct articulation of RH support. Authored a dangerous bill – SB No. 2324 that provides MANDATORY PREGNANCY TESTING for women undergoing cosmetic procedure. This Bill is deemed by women’s groups as violative of women’s right to privacy.

Roxas, Mar
Those who know him say he is pro-RH but so far, has not articulated any clear position.

Yasay Perfecto
His wife has been visible in a few RH-related affairs and has said that Yasay is also pro-RH. However, the candidate has yet to issue a position in public forums.

For Senator

Acosta, Neric
Has been consistently and strongly pro-RH through his 3 terms as Representative. Principally authored RH Bills in House of Representatives (HOR)

Biazon, Ruffy
RH Bill co-author. Has been publicly vocal about his position.

Cayetano, Pia
Chaired the Senate Comm. On Health and was the first to make the RH Bill move by calling for Committee Hearings. Has issued pro-RH statements in public forums and media.

Estrada, Jinggoy
Principally authored RH-related bill in Senate. Signed the Senate Comm. On Health RH Report

Hontiveros, Risa
RH Bill co-author. Has been visible in pro-RH activities & issued statements on her position.

Marcos, Bongbong
RH Bill co-author. Known to the RH advocates as pro-RH but is not known to have issued any public statement

Maza, Liza
RH Bill co-author. Has been visible in pro-RH activities & issued statements on her position

Santiago, Miriam
Principally authored RH-related bill in Senate. Signed the Comm. On Health Report. Issued strong pro-RH statements in media interviews. Responsible for the progressive framework provisions of the Senate version of the Magna Carta of women (MCW)

 For House of Representatives

• Ilocos Norte, 1st District
  Ablan, Roque R.
  Co-author
• Pangasinan, 2nd District
  Agbayani, Victor Aguedo
  Co-author
• Isabela, 4th District
  Aggabao, Giorgidi
  Co-author
• Kalinga, Lone
  Agyao, Manuel
  -do-
• Isabela, 1st District
  Albano, Rodolfo
  -do-
• Camarines Sur, 4th District
  Alfelor, Felix
  -do-
• Negros Occidental, 6th District
  Alvarez, Genaro
  -do-
• Palawan, 1st District
  Alvarez, Antonio
  -do-
• Agusan del Norte, 2nd District
  Amante, Edelmiro
  -do-
• Aurora, Lone District
  Angara, Juan Edgardo
  RH Bill co-author but has not issued public statement on the issue.
• Agusan del Norte, 1st District
  Aquino, Jose II
  Co-author
• Sulu, 2nd District
  Arbison, Munir
  Co-author
• Pangasinan, 3rd District
  Arenas, Ma. Rachel
  -do-
• Cavite, 2nd District
  Bargaza, Elpidio
  -do-
• Lanao del Norte, 1st District
  Belmonte, Vicente Jr.
  -do-
• Makati,2nd District
  Binay, Abigail
  -do-
• Iloilo, 4th District
  Biron, Ferjenel
  -do-
• Masbate, 1st District
  Bravo, Narciso Jr.
  -do-
• Apayao, Lone
  Bulut, Elias
  -do-
• Davao del Sur, 1st District
  Cagas, Marc Douglas
  -do-
• Caloocan, 2nd District
  Cajayon, Mary Mitzi
  -do-
• Pangasinan, 1st District
  Celeste, Arthur
  -do-
• Zamboanga del Sur, 2nd District
  Cerilles, Antonio
  -do-
• Laguna, 2nd District
  Chipeco, Justin Marc
  -do-
• Ifugao, Lone District
  Chungalao, Solomon
  -do-
• Pangasinan, 5th District
  Cojuangco, Mark
  -do-
• Benguet, Lone
  Dangwa, Samuel
  -do-
• Maguindanao
  Datumanong, Simeon
  -do-
• Batanes, Lone
  Diasnes, Carlo Oliver
  -do-
• Zambales, 2nd District
  Diaz, Antonio
  -do-
• Sharif Kabunsuan, Lone
  Dilangalen, Didagen
  -do-
• Lanao del Norte, 2nd District
  Dimaporo, Abdullah
  -do-
• Baguio City
  Domogan, Mauricio
  Co-author and actively involved in the Bill’s promotion. Has publicly articulated his position.
• Rizal, 1st District
  Duavit, Michael John
  Co-author and helped in the Bill’s promotion in the HOR
• Lanao del Sur, 1st District
  Dumarpa, Faysah
  Co-author
• La Union, 2nd District
  Dumpit, Thomas
  -do-
• Isabela, 3rd District
  Dy, Faustino
  -do-
• Dinagat Islands
  Ecleo, Glenda
  -do-
• Sorsogon, 1st District
  Escudero, Salvador
  Co-author and has been involved in
  defending the RH Bill on the HOR floor. Also active in authors’ meetings.
• Pangasinan, 6th District
  Estrella, Robert Raymund
  Co-author
• Negros Occidental, 4th District
  Ferrer, Jeffrey
  -do-
• Surigao del Sur, 2nd District
  Garay, Florencio
  -do-
• Iloilo, 1st District
  Garin, Janette
  One of the main champions in the HOR and has been publicly promoting and defending the Bill.
• Valenzuela, 1st District
  Gatchalian, Rexlon
  Co-author
• Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District
  Go, Arnulfo
  -do-
• Iloilo City, Lone District
  Gonzales, Raul
  Co-author and actively participated in authors’ meetings on the Bill
• Mandaluyong, Lone District
  Gonzales, Neptali
  Co-author and went against Rep. Susano when she was objecting to discussion in the Plenary.
• Tawi-Tawi, Lone
  Jaafar, Nur
  Co-author
• Sulu, 1st District
  Jikiri, Yusop
  -do-
• Nueva Ecija, 1st District
  Joson, Josephine
  Former Chair of HOR’s Committee on Women and championed several pro-women laws. Also played critical role for the RH Bill when she was in HOR. Again running for an HOR seat after resting for I term.
• Masbate, 2nd District
  Kho, Antonio
  Co-author
• Zamboanga del Norte, 2nd District
  Labadlabad, Rosendo
  -do-
• Negros Occidental, 3rd District
  Lacson, Jose Carlos
  Co-author and very visible in authors’ and other strategizing meetings for RH.
• Davao del Norte, 2nd District
  Lagdameo, Antonio Jr.
  Co-author
• Albay, 1st District
  Lagman, Edcel
  The RH Bill’s principal author and champion.
• Tarlac, 3rd District
  Lapus, Jesi
  Co-author
• Albay, 3rd District
  Lim, Reno
  Co-author
• Cagayan, 3rd District
  Mamba, Manuel
  Co-author
• Sultan Kudarat, 1st District
  Mangudadatu, Datu Pax
  -do-
• La Union, 1st District
  Ortega, Victor
  -do-
• Nueva Vizcaya, Lone
  Padilla, Carlos
  -do-
• Bulacan, 2nd District
  Pancho, Pedro
  Co-author but no public pronouncement.
• Surigao del Sur, 1st District
  Pichay, Philip
  -do-
• South Cotabato, 2nd District
  Pingoy, Arthur
  Led the Bill’s passage at the Committee on Health where he was Chair.
• North Cotabato, 2nd District
  Pinol, Bernardo
  Co-author
• Tarlac, 1st District
  Prieto-Teodoro, Monica Louise
  Co-author and actively involved in authors’ meetings. Contrary to reports, she has not withdrawn authorship of Bill.
• Cavite, 3rd District
  Remulla, Jesus Crispin
  Co-author
• San jose, Del Monte, Lone district
  Robes, Arturo
  -do-
• Pasay City, Lone District
  Roxas, Jose Antonio
  Co-author but had no public pronouncements.
• Cebu, 4th District
  Salimbangon, Benhur
  Co-author
• Malabon-Navotas, Lone District
  Sandoval, Alvin
  Co-author
• Abra, Lone
  Seares Luna, Cecilia
  -do-
• Bulacan, 3rd District
  Silverio, Lorna
  Co-author and actively involved on the issue
• Ilocos Sur, 1st District
  Singson, Ronald
  Co-author
• Ilocos Sur, 2nd District
  Singson, Eric
  -do-
• Sorsogon, 2nd District
  Solis, Jose
  -do-
• Quezon, 3rd District
  Suarez, Danilo
  -do-
• Iloilo, 2nd District
  Syjuco, Judy
  -do-
• North Cotabato, 1st District
  Talino-Mendoza, Emmylou
  Co-author and has been very visible in several pro-RH activities including authors meetings. Public articulation has been consistently pro-RH.
• Marikina, 1st District
  Teodoro, Marcelino
  Co-author
• Negros Oriental, 3rd District
  Teves, Pryde Henry
  -do-
• Iloilo, 5th District
  Tupas, Niel
  Co-author and visible in authors’ meetings
• Davao City, 3rd District
  Ungab, Isidro
  Co-author
• Isabela, 2nd District
  Uy, Edwin
  -do-
• Western Samar, 1st District
  Uy, Reynaldo
  -do-
• Cagayan de Oro City, 1st District
  Uy, Rolando
  -do-
• Cagayan, 2nd District
  Vargas, Florencio
  -do-
• Camarines Sur, 2nd District
  Villafuerte, Luis
  -do-
• Tarlac, 2nd District
  Yap, Jose
  -do-
• Zamboanga del Sur, 1st District
  Yu, Victor
  -do-
• San Juan, Lone District
  Zamora, Ronaldo
  -do-
• Bukidnon, 3rd District
  Zubiri, Jose Ma.
  Co-author and actively involved in authors’ and other strategizing meetings. Also active in advocating with his co-HOR members.

LOCAL CANDIDATES

MAYOR

• Quezon City
  Bautista, Herbert
  Played a critical role in the passage of the QC RH Code.Defensor, Mike
  Said that he is for RH in ANC debate.

• Manila
  Lim, Alfredo
  DID NOT REVOKE Atienza’s anti RH EO 003 BUT ‘allowed’ NGOs to work and provide RH services in Manila

• Makati
  Aquino, Agapito
  Clearly said that he favors providing public funds for artificial contraceptives.

• Cebu
  Soon-Ruiz, Nerissa
  Co-author and one of the leading HOR champions of the RH Bill

• Davao City
  Duterte, Sara
  Very visible in RH activities and played a leading and critical role in the recent passage of the City’s RH Code version.

• General Santos City
  Custodio-Antonino, Darlene
  Co-author and one of the strongest champions of the RH Bill at the HOR.

• Tabaco City, Albay
  Lagman-Luistro, Krisel
  For reelection. Championed RH Bill when she was in HOR and has implemented RH programs in her city.

• Cavite, Rosario
  Ricafrente, Nonong
  For reelection. Has been supportive of RH and implemented various important RH programs especially for those in poverty.

GOVERNOR 

• Aurora Province
  Angara-Castillo, Bellaflor
  For reelection. Championed RH Bill when she was in HOR. She led the passage of the very first local RH Code in the country. Known as an RH champion nationally and internationally.

• Albay
  Salceda, Joey
  For reelection. Has been openly and publicly articulating his pro-RH position defying GMA’s anti-RH line even as he is known to be her ally.