MANILA, Philippines - Reproductive health advocates celebrate the passage of the law that took over 13 years. 
Now they’re gearing up for the next fight-- the 2013 elections.
 Carmela Fonbuena reports.

Mission accomplished.

The men and women who worked hard to pass the Reproductive Health law gather in February to celebrate the historic passage of the controversial measure.

SPEAKER FELICIANO BELMONTE

Edcel is the real champion here. Edcel Mabuhay ka.

ESPERANZA CABRAL
FORMER HEALTH SECRETARY

Were it not for the movement to promote reproductive health i would not have known many of the legislator which changed my mind about legislator

It’s a night to recognize the champions – inside and outside Congress – including the very first lawmakers who filed the measure back in the 11th Congress.

JANETTE GARIN
ILOILO REPRESENTATIVE

When former Speaker JDV came and said, mahirap. Nakikiusap ang simbahan. I was very much discouraged. We started sitting down with all energy lost. It was Tita Josie who said Hindi pwede. She said it very slowly. Pero may dalang takot sa mata niya. Walang nagawa si JDV.

FELICIANO BELMONTE
HOUSE SPEAKER

We finally managed to get it through because the other side thought they had the numbers. Numbers naman was quite fluid… Talagang napaka-close. Even we were really in the minority pero nagawa natin. Congratulations sa inyong lahat

It’s also a night to remind themselves, the passage of the RH law does not end there.

There are petitions before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the law.

They should make sure the law is actually implemented.

And that funding is guaranteed.

EDCEL LAGMAN
RH AUTHOR

We must assure in the forthcoming in the May elections. That RH advocates get the people's mandate so that adequate and responsive appropriation will be allocated for the RH law.

They sing, they dance, they cheer. A well-deserved break before they face the next battle.

Carmela Fonbuena, Rappler Manila.