Amid the Valentine's Day celebrations in the Philippines, declining teen pregnancies among older girls contrast sharply with rising cases among those under 15. Images of romance and young love fill social media feeds, restaurants, and shopping malls across the Philippines. Some local groups also use the season to distribute condoms and awareness flyers. However, behind the festivities lies a more complicated reality as national data show a worrying pattern behind the romantic veneer.
Gerard Flaherty allegedly expressed his fear of facing jail time if the girl continued with her pregnancy, stating, 'I would go to jail if that happened.' He seemed panicked, worried about the implications for his life and family.