Candidates attended a forum on reproductive health issues in the Philippines, despite warnings from the Catholic Church against the "evils" of a reproductive health agenda.
The Philippine media is creating a false “Catholics vs. Reproductive Health” debate that doesn't stand up to the diversity within Catholic beliefs—including support for modern methods of family planning.
Editor's note: Today we welcome Carolina S. Ruiz-Austria, writing from the Philippines. She has experience in women's rights, law and journalism, and will be reporting on reproductive health in Southeast Asia.
In the tropics, where year-round warm weather is expected, summer temperatures hitting 33-36 degrees (Celsius) in Manila is still considered extreme.
But the summer heat isn't the only thing approaching fever like extremes. It is also the height of a mid-term electoral campaign. Politicians of every color and persuasion are making rounds to win votes.
