People, President and the Pulpit: The Politics of the Reproductive Health Bill of the Philippines

This research is about the politics of the Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill) of the Philippines between two movements; the Pro-RH and the Anti-RH now that the bill has gained chances of becoming the RH Law after experiencing an impasse for more than 10 years. Examining the political context, opposing movements and public claims, the research argues that the Pro-RH movement, while interacting with the Anti-RH movement, gained political power in influencing the policy process by strategizing in the different levels, spaces and forms of power. Electing a Pro-RH president and the shift to ‘responsible parenthood’ is its new political and discursive strength. Using Catholicism, forming allies with religious groups and working with legislators also strengthened the Pro-RH position. Having similar claims with the Anti-RH movement has built its resonance: ‘pro-life and responsible parenthood,’ ‘values formation in sexuality education,’ and ‘pro-poor and pro-development.’ This research further reflects on the implications of the pending RH Bill. It argues that while the Pro-RH movement is winning in the policy process, it is losing its ideological battle of fulfilling the basic right of women and men to reproductive health, well-being and self-determination.