RH ruling earns mixed reactions

CEBU, Philippines - The Supreme Court’s recent verdict upholding the constitutionality of the Reproductive Health Law received mixed comments from Cebuanos.

But amid plurality of opinions, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale is calling the public to render respect to SC’s decision.

Magpale, who co-chaired the Provincial Women’s Commission and Provincial Children’s Welfare Commission, divulged she personally was against the provisions of the law.

She, however, stressed that she cannot speak on behalf of the commissions, considering that the members have their own stand and views on the matter.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma believed that the Philippines needs healing beyond physical and transcending the spiritual aspect.

Palma pointed out that the passing, approval and now implementation of the RH Law is also the fault of the public who elected into office the very officials who introduced and pushed for the successful implementation of the RH Law.

Moreover, the local church leader described as “minor” the declaration as unconstitutional of Sections 7, 17, and 23 of RA 10354.

Section 7 is known as the “Access to Family Planning,” Section 17 is “Pro Bono Services for Indigent Women,” while Section 23 is the “Prohibited Acts.”

Human Life International Philippines Country Director Dr. Rene Bullecer on Tuesday announced his group, along with other local anti-RH groups, will be preparing for a massive activity at the end of the month or in May.

Mixed reactions

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s decision on Republic Act No. 10354 or Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act has drawn different reactions from Cebuanos.

Carlo Cabatingan from Akbayan Youth Cebu said they are happy that their voices reverberated in the halls of the highest court.

“Dako kaayo siya nga victory for all the Pro-RH advocates and for all the youth nga nagkinahanglan gyud og reproductive health education and for all the mothers nga nagkinahanglan og reproductive health care sa country,” Cabatingan said.

John Cavin Sabonsolin, a Mass Communication student, said he’s happy with the highest court’s ruling because for him, the law addresses the right of young people to access relevant information, education, and essential health services.

Francis Monato, a Psychology graduate, said the declaration of the RH law as constitutional finally breaks the long wait.

“With this, law being passed, I’m expecting for better reproductive health care, less HIV/AIDS positive cases, which has been very alarming since the number of positive cases in the Philippines has been significantly increasing,” Monato said.

However, some people disagree to the ruling of the highest court.

Rave Jane Cabisada, 21, said she’s against the court’s decision adding that the justices should have considered other important laws that need to be attended to than the controversial RH law.

Jennifer Gabieta, who considers herself as pro-life, was saddened over the court decision but said if the law would lead to stop the unwanted overpopulation of the country, then she could embrace the idea.

‘Move on’

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama encouraged his colleagues from the Roman Catholic Church and government to move forward.

“Is it good for all of us to quarrel? Is it time for us to continue arguing? Is it time for us to be divided,” he said.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said everyone should abide by the law as citizens of the country.

“Well, the Supreme Court has spoken… it’s the last bastion of democracy in the country. We have to abide by it; we have to follow it,” he said.

“But of course nindot man sad ang decision sa SC because there are also certain important points nga gi-declare nilang unconstitutional… so it’s a very well-balanced decision,” he added.

City Health Officer Dr. Daisy Villa said the city has always been prepared even before  the law’s declaration as constitutional.

“Available na gyud ni siya tanan kaning gitawag nato og natural family planning ug artificial family planning…available na gyud na siya bisan wala pa ma-approve ang RH Bill,” she said. — Michael H. Braga, Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Mechelle P. Florita, Jessa J. Agua/JMD (FREEMAN)