President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has voiced strong reservations about Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act or Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Bill.
Speaking to the press on January 23, 2025, Marcos said he would need to review the revised version of the bill before making a final decision. The President, however, expressed his concerns about certain “woke” elements he claimed were present in earlier drafts.
“I need to read the substitute bill first,” Marcos said, referencing changes introduced after objections from several senators and various groups. He added that some provisions in the previous version, particularly those relating to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), were “ridiculous” and “appalling.”
What is Senate Bill 1979 About?
Senate Bill 1979 aims to address the alarming rate of adolescent pregnancies in the Philippines. According to the Commission on Population and Development, teenage pregnancies remain a major public health issue. Cases involving girls aged 10 to 14 are especially concerning, with some even experiencing repeat pregnancies.
The bill proposes mandatory, age-appropriate sex education in schools, covering topics such as human anatomy, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, and gender-based violence. It also seeks to standardize the implementation of CSE in both public and private schools under the guidance of the Department of Education.
The earlier draft of the bill referred to “international standards” for implementing sex education. Critics argued that this could impose ideas misaligned with Filipino culture. The revised version removed this language and now focuses on creating content suited to the local context.
Revisions to the Bill
Marcos has been vocal about certain aspects of the original bill that he found troubling. He mentioned claims about teaching young children concepts like masturbation or exploring sexualities.
“That’s a travesty of what sex education should be,” he said. Marcos added that such ideas alienate parents from their role in guiding their children.
In response to objections, the bill’s author, Senator Risa Hontiveros, filed a substitute version to address concerns raised by legislators and conservative groups. One major amendment ensures that sexual and reproductive health services for minors under 16 require parental consent. Another change limits the implementation of CSE to adolescents aged 10 and above, emphasizing that the curriculum will be tailored to Filipino cultural and social contexts.
Hontiveros has refuted allegations about the bill promoting concepts like masturbation or alternative sexualities. She called these claims “fabrications” and said the bill focuses on equipping adolescents with accurate, culturally relevant information.
“Even the word ‘masturbation’ is not in the bill,” she said in a statement. She further emphasized that the bill is intended to equip adolescents with medically accurate and culturally sensitive information.
Opposition from Senators
Seven senators, including Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Nancy Binay, withdrew their support for the bill. Estrada explained that his decision was based on feedback from private organizations that raised “grave concerns.”
Revilla echoed this sentiment, saying he supports addressing teenage pregnancy but believes the bill needs refinement. Binay, speaking as a mother, expressed concerns about the age-appropriateness of some topics while agreeing on the need to address teenage pregnancy.
Despite the withdrawals, Hontiveros remains optimistic. She pointed out that the revised version addresses the objections and hopes it will gain broader support. “I am willing to accept amendments to refine the bill,” she said, urging her colleagues to prioritize the welfare of young Filipinos.
PBBM on Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Bill
Marcos said that while supports sex education in schools, it should focus on basic anatomy and the consequences of early pregnancy. He assured parents and teachers that he would veto the bill if it includes provisions he finds inappropriate.
“Sex education is important,” he said, “but it has to be done in a way that respects our cultural values.”
The President also stressed that parental involvement is crucial in educating children about sensitive topics like sexuality and reproductive health. He criticized the earlier drafts for allegedly alienating parents from this role.
Looking Ahead
The Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act remains under discussion in the Senate. Its future is uncertain, but the conversation it has sparked is a step toward addressing teenage pregnancy. Both sides agree on one thing: young Filipinos deserve the tools and knowledge to make informed choices. The challenge now is finding common ground to move forward.
