Student Council leaders from leading universities in the country gather to give their support for the RH Bill and to take part in the grand gathering for Reproductive Health in key provinces in the country. The student leaders also challenged the position of the nine young legislators (9YL) against the RH Bill and sought the opportunity to debate with them.
“The 9YL claim that they are the voice of young people on matters of RH. But their position is clearly anti-youth. They don’t represent young people. What they represent is the voice of a church that wants to deny people access to health services and information.” Gibby Gorres, National Secretary General of Student Council Alliance of the Philippines said.
Known rivals in the academic field but these student leaders from Ateneo de Manila Debate Society, University of the East, De La Salle University, UP Manila and Diliman, San Beda College of Law, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa and Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology among others schools found unity in the RH Bill.
“We think that anti-RH legislators are not in touch with realities of young people. We suffer from RH related issues like life threatening teenage pregnancies, STIs, HIV and maternal deaths on a daily basis.” Leona Arcellana of UP Manila said.
One of the top arguments of anti-RH groups for the rejection of the RH Bill is that it will make the youth promiscuous. That is why the young leaders also showed off their shirts with the message “I am not promiscuous.”
“The thought of the RH Bill resulting to promiscuity is absurd. Young people should be given information in order for us to be responsible.” Gibby Gorres, said. “RH respects young people. It helps them make good choices.” Gorres added.
The student leaders also announced the participation of their group and members to the October 7 Purple Ribbon for RH Gathering which will be held simultaneously in the cities of Cebu, Zamboanga, Legaspi, Naga, Angeles in Pampanga and in Quezon City. A simultaneous candle lighting ceremony will take place at 6PM in all the areas to highlight reproductive health issues of young people and the importance of the passage of the RH bill for the future of the Filipino youth.
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“We think that anti-RH legislators are not in touch with realities of young people. We suffer from RH related issues like life threatening teenage pregnancies, STIs, HIV and maternal deaths on a daily basis.” Leona Arcellana of UP Manila said.
> Whose life is threatened – the teenage mother or the one she’s carrying?
> How many maternal deaths actually happen on a daily basis?
Re: 9YL “What they represent is the voice of a church that wants to deny people access to health services and information.” Gibby Gorres, National Secretary General of Student Council Alliance of the Philippines said.
> A bold statement. Can you establish the link between the 9YL and the particular church?