CEBU CITY, Philippines – A group of Roman Catholics who support the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill commended Friday Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma for convening a luncheon meeting with political leaders on the controversial bill at the prelate’s residence on D. Jakosalem St.

The pro-RH Bill Catholics for Reproductive Health (C4RH) group prefers that the leaders speak with those who would benefit from the bill, the women and children.

“Ideally, it is a good gesture if the framework of the talk is based on the merits of the bill and ways to compromise where there is disagreement on certain provisions,” said Dr. Mark Molina.

“But a talk to convince legislators not to vote for the bill may smack of coercion since the bishop is apparently talking from a position of influence and power,” he said.

The meeting was aimed at getting insights from political leaders of Cebu who have expressed their opposition to the RH Bill and discussing the plan to declare Cebu province as a “pro-life island.”

Among those who attended the meeting, which was still on going as of press time Friday, were Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Cebuano congressmen except for Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña, and several other local political leaders.

In an earlier press conference, Archdiocesan spokesman Msgr. Achilles Dakay said there are 26 political leaders invited to the luncheon meeting.

The senators who were invited were Juan Ponce Enrile, Vicente Sotto III, Ralph Recto, Jose Pimentel Estrada Jr. and Gregorio Honasan II. Enrile has notified Palma’s office that he cannot attend, while Sotto sent a representative.

In his letter of invitation dated June 3, Palma raised his concern over the ongoing debates on the bill, which he said has "divided our people" and serves as "a great challenge for us leaders in the church and the government to strengthen each other in leadership.

With the support of several Cebuano government officials and legislators, Palma earlier expressed optimism that the RH Bill, which is described by the Church as anti-life, will not be passed into law.

The prelate said the Church will not stop campaigning against the bill and will continue to teach the people about pro-life principles.

The Catholic Church has opposed the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011, or RH Bill, as these contain provisions contrary to Catholic teachings.

Some of the topics in contention include provisions on distributing contraceptives, implementing adolescent reproductive health education and penalties, such as imprisonment and fines.

Palma, who is also Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines vice president, has said Filipino bishops refuse to recognize C4RH while also refusing to grant audience with the Cebu group. (With a report from PNA)