Seven senators in the Philippines have withdrawn their support for Senate Bill No. 1979, known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, citing concerns raised by various sectors. Senator Risa Hontiveros plans to introduce a substitute bill, emphasizing the need to address teenage pregnancy while respecting diverse viewpoints. The bill has faced criticism, particularly regarding its provisions on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), with some arguing it is incompatible with Philippine culture.
January 23, 2025, 12:50 amSeven senators have withdrawn their support for Senate Bill No. 1979, also known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, two days after President Marcos vowed to veto the measure if it is submitted for his signature in its current form.
Hontiveros also expressed dismay over the rampant disinformation surrounding the bill and firmly refuted claims that it contains provisions about sexual positions or other provocative content. “Let’s face it: it’s not compatible. Let’s find other better approaches out there. Let’s look for our own identity as a people,” Sereno said in a mix of Filipino and English at a press conference on Tuesday with the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches .
“It is never our intention to offend the sensibilities of parents and religious groups, especially on matters of morality and the well-being of our children,” she said.
ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PHILIPPINE POLITICS SEXUALITY EDUCATION LEGISLATION SENATORS
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