Senator Risa Hontiveros called out the spread of disinformation surrounding Senate Bill (SB) No. 1979 or the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, urging the public to focus on its true purpose.
“From the very beginning, it has been clear that what we are concerned about is fake news, disinformation, and outright lies,” she said.
“I continue to oppose the fake news, disinformation, and lies that have frightened our citizens. However, whatever considerations my fellow senators had in withdrawing their signatures, there is now a fresh opportunity for all of us in the Senate to redirect our institution’s and the public’s attention to the true purpose,” Hontiveros added.
The senator described teen pregnancy as a national emergency that requires urgent legislative action and finding common ground is essential for passing the bill. The senator also expressed hope that her colleagues in the Senate will consider her substitute bill fairly.
“I repeatedly say that I will not tire of stating, especially in the face of lies, that the important goal is for the Senate to help our adolescents avoid teenage pregnancy,” Hontiveros said.
While she acknowledged the valid concerns raised by various groups and assured that their voices have been heard, Hontiveros also called for honesty and accountability, highlighting that SB 1979 has been publicly accessible and under discussion for two years, with ample opportunities for participation.
“Let’s have some intellectual honesty here; this has been under discussion for two years. If they had wanted to engage earlier, it would have been easy to communicate; some of us even have each other’s phone numbers since we discussed previous issues together over the years,” she revealed.
The substitute bill is now aimed at clarifying misconceptions about Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), which has been a focal point of controversy. She clarified that CSE is just one preventive measure included in the broader bill.
“If international standards are just one of the guidelines, in the end, the buck stops with our Constitution. The buck stops with our context and the cultures of us Filipinos,” she said.
“This means common sense; if it does not fit our context or our cultures, no matter what international standards may serve as guidance, it will not be applicable. So, to avoid any misinterpretation, we have also removed that phrase from our substitute bill,” Hontiveros clarified.
The senator reiterated that CSE will only be provided to adolescents aged 10 and above, debunking claims that it targets younger children.
Hontiveros also included provisions in the substitute bill to ensure academic and religious freedom, aiming to alleviate fears among stakeholders and promote unity among senators.
The senator reassured the public that the bill remains focused on preventing adolescent pregnancies and supporting young parents, crafted with input from child rights advocates, educators, and parents.
“I again invite the President and my fellow senators, including those who previously withdrew their signatures, to review and read the substitute bill. This is to foster unity in the Senate, especially in our efforts to support Filipino adolescents,” Hontiveros said.
