Bishop to SC: Take your time on RH Law ruling

MANILA, Philippines - A bishop on Monday called on the justices of the Supreme Court not to be swayed by the pressure being exerted on them by heads of Congress in coming out with a decision on the controversial Reproductive Health Law.

Tagbilaran bishop Leonardo Medroso said the magistrates should not be pressured by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Franklin Drilon in deciding on the RH statute.

The prelate said that the two heads of the legislative branch of government should wait for  the SC to decide on the case pending before it.

The issue of whether the RH law is constitutional or not should be given ample time and careful scrutiny and study by the High Court, Bishop Medroso added.

"That cannot be hurried up.  They have their own time frame...[on deciding on the] RH law. It can be requested, but they can never demand," the bishop told Radyo Veritas.

The bishop added that the High Court is an independent branch of government and should not be dictated on to rule on such cases.

To date, there are 15 petition by various pro-life groups before the Supreme Court questioning the legality of the RH Law.

The RH bill was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III in December 2012 but the SC issued an indefinite temporary restraining order on its implementation due to the petitions.