Palma happy with RH law freeze

THE Catholic Church expressed joy over the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the implementation of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) law.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma remains hopeful that the High Court will declare the law as unconstitutional.

“We pray that the real merits of the law will be well studied upon. Only time will tell if the law can be retained or won’t be implemented,” he said in an interview at his residence yesterday.

Although the Church couldn’t claim complete victory yet, the 63-year-old prelate is grateful that at least the High Court showed willingness to review the merits of the law.

“At this point in time, it’s just a feeling of joy. The recent ruling of the SC shows that they are going to review their knowledge on such a law,” he said.

Palma, who is also the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said the Church shall continue to proclaim that some provisions of the RH law like making contraceptives available to anyone for free is immoral.

“We thank those who brought the matter up to the Supreme Court. Up to now, we believe that this law will not bring about the good of the Filipino people,” he said.

The High Court on Tuesday issued a 120-day freeze on the implementation of the RH law.

Fr. Melvin Castro of the CBCP’s Commission on Family and Life said the Church’s victory is “very temporary.”

In a statement posted on the CBCP website, Castro urged pro-life groups to conduct more active campaign against the law.

“The order gives us some respite. However, it is a very temporary victory. Nonetheless, it is still a grace of God,” he said.

The RH Law was supposed to be take effect starting March 31, Easter Sunday.

The SC decided to stop its implementation pending resolution of at least 11 petitions to declare the law as unconstitutional.

“The high court has listened to our prayers against any law that’s questionable and which, according to the Constitution, should not be implemented,” Castro said.

Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, country director of Human Life International, was also elated with the recent ruling of the SC.

“We’re so happy that the ruling came out. Within the 120 days, we will double our efforts so the electorate will go for pro-life candidates in the May elections,” said Bullecer who is one of those who questioned the RH law in the Supreme Court.

The oral arguments of the petitions pending before the SC is set on June 18.