Human Rights Online Philippines

RH, ‘desaparecidos’ bills now laws
President signed without fanfare
December 29, 2012

Without fanfare, President Benigno Aquino III signed the reproductive health (RH) bill into law last Dec. 21.

It was signed together with the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act.

The highly contentious RH law provides “universal access” to reproductive health services and supplies such as contraceptives.

Unimpeachable administration sources confirmed to the Inquirer late Friday an initial report from House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II that the measure had been signed by Mr. Aquino in Malacañang before the four-day long weekend began, four days after it was passed by both chambers of Congress amid staunch opposition from the Roman Catholic hierarchy and prolife organizations.

The measure is now known as Republic Act No. 10354.

A member of the President’s inner circle, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, however issued an unequivocal confirmation to the Inquirer.

“I think RH has been signed, but I’m not sure when,” said Abad in a text message at 9:17 p.m. on Friday.

Read full article @newsinfo.inquirer.net

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