Bishops: No influence peddling on RH law ruling

MANILA, Philippines - Catholic bishops on Wednesday denied pressuring or influencing the Supreme Court magistrates in  halting the implementation of the Reproductive Health law for 120 days.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said that the controversial measure is unconstitutional and violates human rights,  which the SC justices made as bases in  issuing the 120-day status quo ante order.

The bishop added that the Catholic Church has nothing to do with the decision of the High Court since  those who filed the petition to question the law are various laymen's groups.

He also said Church officials expected to vote in favor the implementation of the RH law included presidential appointees Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Associate Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justie Mariano del Castillo.

For his part, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani said the High Court's decision to issue an order to stop the measure's implementation only proves that the judiciary is independent of the two branches of government.

"It means SC will not simply [approve]  the  P-Noy RH law.Tayo naman ang panalo sa round na ito,"  Bacani told Church-run Radyo Veritas.

Meanwhile, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said they hope that the High Court will eventually declare the RH law as unconstitutional.

"Well the status quo ante order sa RH law is good news. We hope and pray that this decision will be followed by a decision that would declare the bill unconstitutional," he said.