RH defeat humbles Catholic bishops

By: Bong Lozada - 10 years ago

PURPLE RAIN Baguio has been drizzling but it did not stop advocates of the Reproductive Health law, who have mounted a vigil in front of the Baguio courthouse of the Supreme Court on Monday (Apr. 7) in anticipation of a ruling on the constitutionality of the RH law. The advocates wore purple t-shirts to express their support for the law. PHOTOS BY EV ESPIRITU/ INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON

MANILA, Philippines—And the Catholic bishops graciously accepted defeat.

After the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 and dealt the Catholic Church a stunning defeat, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said they can work in unison with their pro-RH brothers.

“We cannot see eye-to-eye with our pro-RH brethren on this divisive issue but we can work hand-in-hand for the good of the country,” CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villegas said.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Villegas said that even if the SC upheld the constitutionality of the RH law, the high court has “truly watered down” the polarizing Republic Act.

“It has truly watered down the RH law, and consequently upheld the importance of adhering to an informed religious conscience even among government workers,” Villegas said.

Lingayen Dagupan’s archbishop also encouraged Catholics to still hold the SC with respect as the high court decided on the RH issue based on existing laws in the country.

“I encourage our Catholic faithful to maintain respect and esteem for the Supreme Court,” Villegas said.

He added the Church would continue to “uphold the sacredness of human life” and to safeguard the human life from conception to natural death.

“Let us move on from being an RH-law-reactionary-group to a truly Spirit empowered disciples of the Gospel of life and love,” the CBCP President said. “We have a positive message to proclaim.”

Catholic revolt

Villegas’ words may have dissipated the chance, and fears, of a possible “Catholic revolt.”

In a media briefing Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the Palace does not see any chance of any undoing that would arise from the SC decision.

“Whether there will be a Catholic revolt, should it be true that the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Responsible Parenthood Law, is something that remains to be seen,” Valte said.

She added that there are no indications of such revolt.