MANILA, March 19, 2013— The Supreme Court’s 120-day stay order against the implementation of the divisive Reproductive Health (RH) law has given relief to Catholic Church officials.
But Fr. Melvin Castro of the CBCP’s Commission on Family and Life said the victory is ‘very temporary’ and thus calls for a more active campaign against the measure.
“The SQA (status quo ante) order gives us some respite. However, it is a very temporary victory,” Castro said.
“Nonetheless, it is still a grace of God especially that we celebrate today the solemnity of St. Joseph, the Guardian of the Holy Family,” Castro said.
“The high court has listened to our prayers against any law that’s questionable and which, according to the Constitution, should not be implemented,” he said.
The SC on Tuesday issued a stay order against the RH law, barely more than a week before its scheduled full implementation.
Oral arguments have been set on June 18.
The church official said the ruling is a boost to the church’s campaign against the controversial measure especially in the upcoming May elections.
“This means that we should be more active in our campaign against the RH law,” said Castro. “This is also a challenge to voters to vote candidates who are pro-life and pro-family.” (CBCPNews)
