I've been meaning to post this e-mail update from Jonas regarding the Anti-discrimination Bill. I received this last October 13.
Early morning today, in between deliberations on the 2007 budget, Rep. Nograles (House Committee on Rules Chair) and AKBAYAN Reps. Risa Hontiveros and Mayong Aguja (Etta was in Mindanao) tried to have the Anti-Discrimination Bill passed on Third Reading. It would have been passed, along with a few other bills, had Rep. Abante of Manila been wise enough to understand the definition of human rights and his mandate as the chair of the House Committee on Human Rights. He stood up and said that he would interpellate the bill since he believes that what it promotes is "morally reprehensible." Rep. Nograles himself tried to reason out with him, but he was very adamant. Abante was also informed that they want to go through the approval of the ADB because there are other bills that had to be approved. Abante was unconvinced and even squatted beside the podium of the Majority Floor Leader (he decides on what bill to tackle) "para bantayan ang Anti-Discrimination Bill." He also argued with Mayong about the immorality of LGBTs, but Mayong just walked out. Abante was already being jeered by his colleagues, but the idiot was bent on filibustering.
He did not budge until session was finally adjourned at about 5 AM today. It will resume on November 6. Nograles assured AKBAYAN reps. that the bill will definitely be approved during the first week. If you have some cash to spare, send Abante a one-way ticket to Kitaotao or Guimaras just to get rid of him during that crucial moment. Also, spread the word: don't vote for him next year.
(Abante is the same guy who wanted to burn Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.)
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