#RHlaw arguments

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler speaks with Senator Pia Cayetano, a staunch advocate of women’s rights, access to health services and good governance.

Cayetano is on her second term in the Senate. As a senator, she has been aggressive in pushing for key policies — the passage of the Sin Tax Reform Act, the National Health Insurance Act of 2013, and the Reproductive Health law, which was debated in Congress for 13 years.

On Tuesday, July 9, the Supreme Court opened oral arguments for and against the RH law. Earlier, the High Tribunal stopped the government from implementing the law after receiving a petition questioning its constitutionality.

Read: #RHLaw: We’re not doctors, justices say

Read: AS IT HAPPENED: #RHLaw Oral Arguments

Petitioners told the Court Tuesday the law promotes abortion and violates a constitutional right to life. Maria Concepcion Noche, lawyer for the petitioners, said the Court needs to intervene.

Associate Justice Antonio Carpio countered, “You are asking members of this Court, none of us doctors, to decide the medical issue of when conception happens.”

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, echoed Carpio’s sentiment saying, “We are not a council of faith, nor medical doctors, we are only SC justices.”

Cayetano will speak to Rappler today about her insights into the oral arguments and the continuing fight for the RH law.

– Rappler.com