The Department of Health today welcomed the decision of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the recertification of 51 contraceptive products done in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling that there should be due process and that the FDA should determine their abortifacient or non-abortifacient properties using the best available scientific evidence.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III reiterated his statement that the DOH is committed to fully implement the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law as it is the mandate of the agency to promote the health and well-being of Filipino families by giving them access to appropriate services that allow them to attain their family life aspirations.

“We assure everyone that the full and strict implementation of the RH law which President Duterte ordered earlier this year will be fair, even handed and not adversely affect our people’s health,” Secretary Duque said.

Secretary Duque added that it is incumbent on all public health officials to defer to the technical expertise of regulatory agencies like the FDA, and to likewise defer to the wisdom of the members and leadership of the Supreme Court in formulating their legal opinions on such matters.

He expressed optimism that the entire public health sector, other concerned government agencies, civil society and private sector partners shall extend their full cooperation in the smooth and expeditious implementation of the program that is crucial in advancing the reproductive health of women, men and adolescents and the socioeconomic agenda of the Philippine government.