Congressman Edcel Lagman, chairman of the House of Representatives justice committee, cites recent surveys showing that only about a third of Filipinos expect a speedy trial in a court case.
"In order to obviate the unfounded criticism that the government will distribute contraceptives for free to everyone, the amendments will underscore that only the poorest of the poor will have free access to contraceptives if they are willing acceptors, " Lagman said in a press release.