(July 14,2010) In the Philippines, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa has praised
the introduction of a House bill that will boost the protection of unborn children.
House Bill - HB 13, looks to go further than existing legislation protecting fetuses,
by specifically recognizing that human life exists when a sperm first penetrates the
egg. Congressman Roilo Golez of Paranaque City filed the bill titled “Protection
of the Unborn Child Act 2010” at the House of Representatives on July 1. Archbishop
Arguelles, a member of the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life, said he favors
HB 13 and that most bishops are happy about it. The bill is in line with Church teachings
on when life begins, he said. “I’ve already urged the House Representatives from
Batangas to support the bill,” he added. If the Bill becomes law, violators could
be imprisoned for up to six months and be fined up to 50,000 pesos (US$1,100).