DUMAGUETE CITY, (PNA) – Rep. George Arnaiz is strongly opposing some provisions of the Reproductive Health Bill pending in Congress, saying he might just refrain from entirely voting for the measure.

“The bill might cause chaos among members of the Lower House as there are some who are for and others against it,” he said.

Arnaiz said he favors the idea behind the bill in general, although he has some issues with some specific provisions like Sec. 10 of the bill (House Bill No. 5043 (Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008) which categorizes contraceptives as essential medicines.

The provision states that “hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, injectables, and other allied reproductive health products and supplies shall be considered under the category of essential medicines and supplies which shall form part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and local hospitals and other government health units.”

The Negros Oriental solon said how can these contraceptives and other supplies be considered as medicines when these might prevent conception and do not kill germs or bacteria like regular essential medicines which are used to treat diseases?

Arnaiz said he would push for the amendment of certain provisions of the bill but if voting takes place, he might just refrain from participating in the process.

At this point, Arnaiz said he could not ascertain whether the bill, as introduced in the 14th Congress by Rep. Edcel Lagman and five other House members, has the majority or minority vote.

But according to Arnaiz, Lagman is claiming that members of the House – whether or not they are in favor of the bill – are already eager to cast their vote on the measure.