The PLCPD, another group that advances the Reproductive Health Bill, urged candidates for national, congressional and local elections to uphold reproductive health and rights. "Government officials must be reminded that they are mere representatives of the people and not that Catholic church and its bishops, and that their obligation is to give importance to a person’s right to reproductive self-determination," said Ramon San Pascual, PLCPD executive director.

The Magna Carta of Women (MCW) is the end product of two separate bills introduced in Congress in 2002. After years of debate and opposition, it was finally signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Aug. 14.

Under the terms of the legislation, the Philippine government is the primary duty-bearer for implementing the law. It is charged with protecting women from discrimination and upholding and promoting their rights.

Included among its provisions are that Filipino women are legally protected from all forms of violence and from discrimination in employment, education and training; that women are guaranteed security in times of disaster or other crises; that they are provided with comprehensive health care and information; and that women are afforded equal treatment before the law and in matters relating to marriage.

Manila — Philippines’ President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, signed the country's Magna Carta of Women in Manila on 14 August, formally enacting a legislation for gender equality that women’s rights groups have been lobbying for in the last seven years.