Palace welcomes UN response on RH law

MANILA, Philippines - After getting unfavorable remarks from United Nations rapporteurs over President Duterte’s bloody drug war, Malacañang welcomed yesterday a UN panel’s statement that lauded the administration’s resolve to implement family planning methods despite a legal obstacle on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012.

“We thank the Filipino people for supporting that as well as the UN for recognizing the efforts of the President,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.

Duterte sidestepped a Supreme Court temporary restraining order issued in 2015 on the implementation of the Reproductive Health Law when he signed Executive Order (EO) 12 that would allow aggressive government support for modern family planning methods.

“This is part of the President’s 10-point economic agenda,” Abella said.

The United Nations Population Fund on Friday lauded Duterte’s order, saying the move is a major push for the government’s family planning program.

The 18-man UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR) welcomed the country’s gains in upholding human rights. 

While the President’s move might be opposed by some sectors, Abella said there are many factors that need to be addressed by the government in terms of addressing population growth.

Abella said the Chief Executive aims to address the increasing growth rate of the population, which is expected to reach 105.5 million this year.