Summary Controversial birth control bill will allow increased sex education and free contraceptives.
MANILA: The Senate, or upper house, passed the bill during its crucial second reading, in a move bitterly opposed by the politically influential church which is against the use of contraceptives, including condoms and birth control pills.
The proposed legislation would come into force after both houses of parliament agree on a common version that would be signed into law by Aquino.
The president s spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, said Aquino was looking forward to signing the bill before the end of the year.
"This is historic because this bill has been pending for some time. Many administrations have tried to come up with a bill on responsible parenthood," he told reporters.
Congressman Edcel Lagman, who initiated the bill, shrugged off warnings by the church that bishops would campaign against the proponents of the law in next year s general elections.
"It s more of a threat than a reality. The experience in other Catholic countries is once a law is passed on reproductive health, even the church supports the law," he said.
Bishops across the country have argued that allowing increased sex education and the handing out of contraceptives will encourage pre-marital sex, result in the destruction of family values and lead to greater violence against women.
