A UNITED Nations agency welcomed Friday the signing of the Executive Order (EO) for the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law saying it will bring renewed momentum to the restrained measure that was passed back in 2012.
In a statement, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Klaus Beck said they believe that the EO on zero unmet family planning needs is the shot in the arm needed by the RH law, which has been hampered by the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC).
“The full and immediate implementation of the RPRH Law is critically important for the government to deliver on its family planning program, which has been identified by President Duterte as one of his priorities when he assumed office,” said Beck.
“The President’s order will lend new momentum to the implementation of the RPRH Law as it demonstrates the highest level of support to the measure,” he furthered.
Aside from the manifestation of support from Duterte, the UN agency said the EO also enhances the guidelines that have been set by the RPRH law.
Beck noted how the EO clearly defines the role of various government units in enforcing the law and provides clear instructions on the funding needed to implement it, as well as the accountability mechanism to ensure that the RPRH Law and the EO are implemented.
“The RPRH Law is a fundamental component to a comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation and human development in the Philippines, and is critical to realizing reproductive rights, including the right to choose freely and responsible if and when to have children, reducing maternal mortality and the realization of the development goals on health, gender and poverty,” he said.
And given the enhanced commitment from the government, Beck said the UNFPA will remain fully committed to supporting the government and civil society partners on this effort.
On Monday, Duterte signed EO No. 12, which aims to intensify and accelerate the implementation of the RH law in the country.
Still, Beck said the UNFPA is concerned over the continued imposition of the TRO, which has been issued in June 2015.
“Concerns remain with one key challenge to the full implementation of the law being the Philippine Supreme Court's temporary restraining order. The order has been in effect for more than a year now and could adversely impact on the supply of contraceptives in the country if not addressed soon,” said Beck.
The SC TRO effectively stopped the availability of the popular progesterone subdermal implant, as well as the re-registration of current contraceptive methods. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)