Contact: Stephen Phelan, Human Life International, 540-622-5270, SPhelan@hli.org

FRONT ROYAL, Va., Dec. 12, 2012 /Standard Newswire/ -- After fourteen years of debate, political leaders in the Philippines may be on the verge of passing the controversial, anti-life "Reproductive Health Bill" (RH Bill). A week of aggressive moves by Philippine President Benigno Aquino and pro-RH Bill congressmen has drawn to a close a period of amendments and debate. A vote on the bill in the House is now imminent.

"The situation for our Filipino brothers and sisters is dire," said Father Shenan Boquet, president of Human Life International (HLI). "This shows the true priorities of certain pro-RH political leaders of the Philippines, that in the wake of a typhoon that has killed hundreds and left tens of thousands displaced, they are pushing the passage of this controversial bill. The famous corruption of the Filipino government has been on full display in the last week, with denials of legitimate requests for amendments and open pork-barrel bribery of congressmen to support the RH Bill. We know that the House is scheduled to vote on the bill Wednesday, and the Senate next week, but the pressure on those opposing the president's agenda is incredible, and the situation could change quickly.

"All we can do at this point is support our pro-life Christian brethren in prayer, so I ask that all Christians reach out to members of their families and communities and please pray for the protection of the Filipino people from this diabolical bill. Pray that the underhanded high-pressure tactics will fail, and that the Lord of Life will intervene and truth and life win out.

"To our fellow Catholics, we note with great hope that this vote has fallen on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the international Patroness of Life. What great Providence! May the Blessed Mother intervene on behalf of the faithful of the Philippines, and leave no doubt at all who has the final say about matters of life and death! Catholics, pick up your rosaries and organize holy hours. This is a moment of prayerful solidarity and you are urgently needed now!"

HLI has produced a special Our Lady of Guadalupe prayer card for the Philippines to share on Facebook.

For more on the anti-life provisions of the RH Bill, visit this resource page. A short documentary from Human Life International on the fight over the RH Bill is available here. And a recent statement from the Archbishop of Cebu, Philippines, Jose S. Palma to members of the House of Representatives can be found here. 

About HLI: Human Life International: For the Glory of God and defense of Life, Faith and Family. Founded in 1981, HLI is the world's largest international pro-life and pro-family organization, with affiliates and associates in over 80 countries on six continents. www.hli.org