Business groups back RH Law implementation

MANILA, Philippines – Four large business organizations on Tuesday reaffirmed their support for the immediate implementation of the controversial Reproductive Health Law, saying that the statute has already passed both Houses of Congress and deemed Constitutional.

In a statement posted on the website of the Makati Business Club, the MBC, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed their support for the RH Law.

“We maintain our position that this health measure, which underwent more than 14 years of thorough deliberation and definitively passed by both chambers of Congress, reflects the true will of the people and is an illustration that democracy prevails for in our nation.

“We reiterate our unequivocal opposition to any measure that condones abortion in any way and limits free choice. The RH Law successfully hurdles these concerns. In fact, we strongly believe that the law protects and enhances the people’s Constitutionally-enshrined rights to life and good health, freedom of choice, and a living wage and income,” the groups said.

The groups noted that the RH Law is a direct means to address not only maternal deaths but also a way to reduce poverty in the country.

“We remain steadfast in our stand that responsible parenthood and reproductive health are significant components of the country’s direct strategy for poverty reduction and improved maternal and child healthcare. The RH Law, therefore, is a complement to current and proposed initiatives to address long-standing challenges to the country’s development. As such, in our goal to attain sustainable and inclusive growth, the RH Law must be fully and properly implemented without delay,” the business groups said.

The High Court is expected to make its final deliberations on the RH law on April 8 in Baguio City.

RH advocates had earlier called on the Supreme Court justices to rule in favor of the RH law’s implementation, lifting the status quo ante order. –Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)