PURPLE TEAM FOR RH LAW. Supporters of the reproductive health (RH) law stage a candle vigil at a compound in Baguio City on Monday where Supreme Court justices are expected to deliberate on whether to lift the suspension of the controversial RH law. EV ESPIRITU/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines–The order stopping the implementation of Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 will be lifted once the Supreme Court’s decision has been promulgated.
On March 18, 2013, the high court issued a status quo ante order (SQAO) against the implementation of the RH law after Pro-Life Philippines Foundation Inc. and Catholic Church groups questioned the law for violating constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to life.
Before the four months was over, the Supreme Court extended indefinitely its status quo ante order last July.
During the high court’s annual summer session in Baguio, it ruled that several of its provisions as well as some provisions of its implementing rules and regulations are unconstitutional and the law per se is not unconstitutional.
High Court source said the SQAO is effectively lifted once the decision is promulgated.
“The SQAO no longer has any force or authority for those (provisions of the law) not struck down,” the source said.
Only eight provisions under the law and its implementing rules and regulations were declared unconstitutional by the high court.
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