CBCP: Cebu, Masbate to host anti-RH rallies before SONA

Cebu and Masbate will be the venue of two rallies against the Reproductive Health bill on July 23, two days before the 15th Congress resumes sessions. In an article on its website, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Archdiocese of Cebu aims to show Cebu’s “strong opposition" to the bill. Coinciding with the Cebu event is another rally organized by the Diocese of Masbate, according to the official organization of the Catholic episcopacy in the Philippines. In Cebu, the gathering — dubbed as the “Solidarity Family Prayer Rally for Faith and Life" — will be held at the Sto. Niño Basilica Pilgrim Center at the city’s busy downtown business and commercial area. Pro-life civic and faith-based groups will converge at the basilica at 3 p.m., according to the CBCP. Cebu Archbishop and incoming CBCP president Jose Palma will lead a Mass at 5 p.m. Organizers urged participants to wear any red article or clothing during the rally, saying red is the color of courage and life. The CBCP said Cebu has had several events against the RH bill this year, including two large pro-life rallies last Feb. 11 and March 19. Last June 17, Palma hosted a thanksgiving lunch for “pro-life" Cebu politicians, which include congressmen, provincial government officials, mayors, and Catholic lay leaders. — JE, GMA News