Hontiveros asks SC to junk pleas vs RH Law

Akbayan Representative Risa Hontiveros. Cathy MIranda/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Mothers, together with Akbayan national chairperson Risa Hontiveros on Monday asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petitions assailing the constitutionality of the Republic Act 10354 or the Reproductive Health Law.

In a 51-page motion, petitioners told the high court that the RH Law will help the government stop maternal deaths and misconceptions about reproductive health.

Contrary to allegations of anti-RH advocates, they said the new law does not legalize abortion in the country.

“[W]hile the petitioners mistakenly allege that RA 10354 will legalize abortion in the Philippines, a plain reading of the text of the said law makes it clear that abortion is expressly and repeatedly proscribed therein,” the motion stated.

They said all the arguments raised in the petition, from the issue of constitutionality to various medical and scientific details of contraception to the objections of various religious groups were discussed at length in Congress.

“The women of our nation, especially those from the ranks of the poor and underprivileged, have waited a long time for this law. We respectfully pray that this Court not allow a small group of its opponents, in a last ditch effort using rehashed arguments that have been soundly rebuffed time and time again through the years, to further delay the relief they have long worked for,” petitioners which include mothers Sylvia Claudio, Clarita Eneria, Merry Jane Arroyo, Geraldin Navarra, Almira Dizon, Evelyn Ornopia, Amor Esperela, Ma. Yolanda Parocha, Felisa Avila, Leticia Lubong, Corsinnie Barbecho, Emily Ragub, Rubelyn Tonido.

Currently, there are six petitions against RH Law pending with the Supreme Court. Petitioners alleged that the new law violated the Constitution, which upholds the ideal of an unconditional respect for life.

Anti-RH petitioners added that the intra-uterine devices and hormonal contraceptives have an abortifacient natures.

Hontiveros and the mothers said such issues should be raised with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).