SC orders gov’t to comment on petitions questioning RH Law

MANILA, Philippines—The Supreme Court has not issued a temporary restraining order against RH Law,  instead, it ordered the government to comment on petitions questioning the law’s constitutionality.

Respondents to the petitions include Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

The government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has 10 days to comment on the petition.

Currently, there are two petitions filed with the Supreme Court. The first was filed by couple James and Lovely Imbong on behalf of their minor children.

They said Republic Act10354 or the Act Providing for a National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RH Law) “mocks the nation’s Filipino culture–noble and lofty in its values and holdings on life, motherhood and family life–now the fragile lifeblood of a treasured culture that today stands solitary but proud in contrast to other nations.”

They said the new law violates the Constitution which upholds the ideal of an unconditional respect for life and aspires for the establishment of policies that create opportunities to harness the economic potential of every Filipino.

The second petition was filed by the Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines, Inc. or ALFI.