Local business urges RH law implementation

PRO-RH LAW Proponents of the RH law gather in front of Supreme Court displaying portraits of poor children. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Local business groups have urged the immediate implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 or the RH law, which is expected to help the government achieve its goals for poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop), the Makati Business Club (MBC), the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) reaffirmed their strong support for Republic Act No. 10354 and have urged “opposing parties to see the pragmatic wisdom behind this critical piece of legislation.”

“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 in our nation,” the groups explained.

Consistent with their statements issued in August 2012 and October 2010, the business groups reiterated their unequivocal opposition to any measure that condones abortion in any way and limits free choice.

The RH law, they added, successfully hurdles these concerns.