EDITORIAL - Waiting for the RH Law

The top business groups in the country have added their voice to those calling for the implementation of the Reproductive Health or Responsible Parenthood Law. Over a year after the measure was enacted by President Aquino, the RH Law has not been implemented, thanks to an indefinite restraining order issued by the Supreme Court.

In a joint statement this week, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry reiterated their support for the law, expressed during the 14 long years that the RH measure was debated to death in Congress.

The Supreme Court is supposed to tackle petitions against the measure next month, but it might again extend its temporary restraining order, stalling a final resolution of challenges to the law. This long delay is a waste of all the time, effort and public funds that went into the congressional deliberations on the measure. It also impedes an executive function. While the SC is empowered to do this, it should also wield such power with restraint, without compromising the independence of its co-equal branches of government.

Issues raised in the petitions filed with the SC had been discussed extensively in Congress. The business groups, like other proponents of the RH Law, have emphasized that they are not endorsing abortion and are in fact pushing for a measure that could bring down the number of abortions, estimated at hundreds of thousands a year in this country.

Women’s groups also want their right to reproductive health upheld, and to allow all women including the very poor to have the freedom of choice that those with education and financial means enjoy in planning the size of their families. Reproductive health must not be a luxury available only to affluent women.

The nation has waited long enough for this measure. Elected representatives of the people conducted long and informed discussions in consultation with stakeholders before passing the law. The Chief Executive, elected with an overwhelming mandate, has affixed his signature to it and is ready for its implementation. It’s time for the Supreme Court to end the debate.