Hillary Clinton’s Philippines visit during pro-life gathering suspect

ORGANIZERS of a planned pro-life congress in Cebu City this month suspect the announced meeting of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with President Benigno Aquino coinciding with their movement’s gathering may be linked to the reproductive health (RH) bill’s struggle to pass in the Philippines Congress.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced Clinton is to meet Aquino on Nov. 15, the day before the opening of the 3-day National “Philippines for Life” Congress. Its theme is “Surrender is not an option, compromise is not a solution. Philippines for life forever.”

Dr. Rene Bullecer, director of Human Life International (HLI) Philippines, and conference organizer called the congress to be held at Summit Circle Hotel a show of force for pro-life and pro-family organizations.

Legislators on their side against passing the bill will address the congress, including Senate Majority Leader Senator Vicente Sotto III, Davao Representative Karlo Nograles, former senator Francisco Tatad, former Manila mayor Jose Atienza, Jr., and Father Melvin Castro of the Philippine bishops’ commission on family and life.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has said the Clinton-Aquino meeting will tackle “bilateral and multilateral issues” and “many areas of cooperation.”

Pro-life congress organizers and colleagues believe the visit will include a discussion on getting the RH bill passed. They noted Aquino’s reported remarks during his recent visit to the US expressing support for the RH bill even if it would earn the ire of the Catholic Church.

Pro-life experts also warned about Clinton’s expressed pro-abortion stand.

More on this story in LifeNews