8 of 10 Pinoys believe RH Law constitutional – SWS

MANILA, Philippines - At least eight in 10 Filipino adults believe the Reproductive Health (RH) Law is constitutional, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The survey results were released a day before the Supreme Court (SC) is expected to rule on the constitutionality of Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible and Reproductive Health Act during its summer session in Baguio City today.

The survey, commissioned by the Forum for Family Planning and Development, showed 77 percent of respondents saying, “The RH Law follows what the Constitution should stand for so it is only proper for the high court to allow its implementation.”

The poll also found 72 percent of Filipino adults favor the RH Law.

At least 84 percent of Filipinos also think the government should provide free services to the poor who want to use family planning methods, the SWS said.

The poll, conducted from March 27 to 30, used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults aged 18 years old and above.

The SC had earlier issued a 120-day status quo ante order stopping the implementation of the law.

President Aquino signed the RH Law in December 2012.

The Catholic Church has opposed the law, saying it will legalize abortion.

Vigil for RH

Advocates of RH Law yesterday launched a vigil in front of the high court’s Baguio compound to await the SC ruling.

Pro-RH activist Carlos Celdran said “it would be a step forward for the Philippines when the SC upholds the law.”

On the other hand, masses were held in churches in Baguio and Benguet to pray for the SC justices to “vote for life” and thumb down the controversial law.– With Artemio Dumlao, Paolo Romero