PRESS STATEMENT FROM ABS-CBN:
"ABS-CBN and ANC's Harapan debate on the Reproductive Health Bill last May 8 was not only the first major TV special on the controversial issue, it was also a trending topic on the popular micro-blogging site Twitter.
"Viewers actively shared their thoughts on the issue on Twitter and Facebook while millions watched worldwide over ABS-CBN's multimedia platforms—on channel 2 on free TV, on ANC on cable, and via abs-cbnnews.com on the Internet.
"Harapan: RH Bill, Ipasa o Ibasura?," anchored by multi-awarded broadcast journalists Karen Davila and Julius Babao, was the first to gather the bill's most prominent defenders and opposition, which included Rep. Janette Garin, Rep. Edcel Lagman, and Carlos Celdran for Pro-RH and Rep. Roilo Golez, former Laguna Gov. Joey Lina, and Fr. Melvin Castro of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for Anti-RH.
"While the Anti-RH side won the online and text polls during the debate, with 65.38% voting not to pass the bill, the heated exchange from both sides persisted online as comments poured in on ABS-CBN and ANC's official Facebook accounts.
"Noel D. Villar said the RH Bill will just be a tool for corruption. He said RH Bill proponents just want the royalty they will get from pharmaceutical companies that will manufacture the contraceptives. Avatarlady Bique, meanwhile, said the RH Bill is neither about religion nor taxes. She said it is about the health and well-being of women like her.
"Through the debate, ABS-CBN and ANC, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, were able to enlighten viewers on the issues surrounding the RH bill so that they'll be able to decide for themselves if the bill is good or bad for the nation.
"ABS-CBN will continue to bring to Filipinos more events that will stir up discussion on important national issues with an upcoming debate on the planned burial of the late former dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the "Libingan ng mga Bayani."
"Take part in the discussion. Get a whole picture of the nation's biggest issues through the Harapan debate series of ABS-CBN."
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