SC prodded to decide on RH Law

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon has urged the Supreme Court (SC) to decide on the case of the Reproductive Health Act, which has been pending for the past 14 months.

Drilon said the delayed decision on the law has stymied government efforts for maternal and infant care nationwide.

“It’s been more than 14 months since the passage of the reproductive health law and the government’s hands are still tied when it comes to attending to the needs of mothers, particularly those in far-flung areas,” Drilon said in a statement.

He said SC’s ruling on the constitutionality of the law is vital for the government to implement measures preventing maternal deaths and other health complications affecting women, wives and mothers.

Drilon said with the RH law in limbo, the government could not provide maximum maternal and infant care throughout the country. He said addressing the problem on maternal deaths is a commitment under the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

“Whatever the verdict of the Supreme Court, only then will the government be freed to either continue with the RH law, or proceed to formulate another national policy on this issue,” he said.

The Senate chief has concurred on the issue with fellow congressional leaders, such as House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who earlier called on the high court to uphold the RH law.

“The fact that the RH bill underwent more than 13 months of debates, studies and consultations before it was approved is an undeniable proof that its passage went through arduous and highly-publicized process, and all views were fully observed and taken into account,” Drilon said.

The RH Law was passed by the 15th Congress in December 2012, and signed into law by President Aquino in the same month.

Its constitutionality was questioned before the SC, which in March 2013 issued a status quo ante order against the law.