The controversial Adolescent pregnancy Prevention Bill in the Senate is facing a major shift after its sponsor, Senator Risa Hontiveros, withdrew the provision on Extensive Sexual Education (CSE) ”guided by international standards.” This move comes after meaningful backlash from critics, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on young children.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, filed a substitute bill that limits mandatory CSE to adolescents aged 10 and above and includes provisions guaranteeing academic and religious freedom. “I am filing an amendment by substitution that seeks to address the objections in the bill,” she stated during a Senate plenary session.
President Marcos, in a statement to reporters, declared that he would veto the bill, expressing concern that it would teach children as young as four years old about masturbation and grant them the right to explore different sexualities. This sparked a heated debate about the nature and scope of CSE, with former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, part of a group questioning the bill, arguing that it aligned with curricula set by international organizations like UNESCO and the World Health Association. Sereno emphasized that these international guidelines include provisions for teaching about masturbation for children aged zero to four and “bodily pleasure” or “sexual rights” for children aged six to nine.
The initial version of the bill, Senate bill No. 1979,envisioned a Comprehensive Sexuality Programme as a compulsory part of education at all levels,aiming to normalize discussions about adolescent sexuality and reproductive health. Section 6 of the original bill mandated that CSE be “integrated in the school curriculum, guided by [the Department of Education] and international standards.”
Amidst the controversy,seven out of the 18 senators who initially signed the committee report on the measure withdrew their support. Hontiveros has repeatedly denied any provision within the bill regarding childhood masturbation, anal sex, or oral sex, asserting that these concepts are inappropriate for children.
Hontiveros remains firm in her advocacy for CSE, citing the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey which revealed that Filipino youth would rather seek information elsewhere than from their parents when it comes to sexual and reproductive health. “I cannot in good conscience support the complete removal of Comprehensive Sexuality Education from our policy landscape,” she emphasized.
How does Senator Hontiveros plan to address the concerns of parents and religious groups who believe that Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) is inappropriate for young children?
Table of Contents
- 1. How does Senator Hontiveros plan to address the concerns of parents and religious groups who believe that Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) is inappropriate for young children?
- 2. Exclusive: Interview with Senator Risa Hontiveros on the Evolving Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill
- 3. Updating the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill
- 4. CSE and Its Critics: International Standards vs. Local Concerns
- 5. A Balanced Approach to CSE
- 6. thoughts for Our Readers
Exclusive: Interview with Senator Risa Hontiveros on the Evolving Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill
In the wake of the controversy surrounding the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention bill, we sat down with its sponsor, Senator Risa Hontiveros, to discuss the recent amendments and the ongoing debate about Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE).
Updating the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill
Archyde news (AN): Senator Hontiveros, you’ve recently filed a substitute bill, addressing some of the concerns raised about the initial version. Can you tell us about these changes and what led to them?
Sen. Risa Hontiveros (RH): Yes, we’ve indeed filed an amended version of the bill in response to the valid concerns raised, particularly regarding the age limit and academic freedom. The new provision limits mandatory CSE to adolescents aged 10 and above, responding to President Marcos’ and other critics’ fears that the previous version might expose younger children to inappropriate content. Additionally, we’ve included provisions guaranteeing academic and religious freedom to ensure no student or educator is forced to go against their beliefs.
CSE and Its Critics: International Standards vs. Local Concerns
AN: The debate around CSE has been heated, with critics led by President Marcos arguing that it promotes inappropriate content for young children. Meanwhile, advocates like yourself point to international standards set by organizations like UNESCO and WHO. Can you help our readers understand this international outlook?
RH: Certainly. These international guidelines, while seeming controversial to some, are rooted in the principles of sexual health, rights, and positive parenting. They aim to provide children with age-appropriate, accurate details to protect them from harm, including abuse and unwanted pregnancies. However,we acknowledge that ther are cultural and religious differences that need to be respected. Hence, the amended bill ensures local context and individual beliefs are taken into account.
A Balanced Approach to CSE
AN: Seven senators have withdrawn their support for the bill. What message do you hope this amended version sends to those who remain concerned or skeptical about CSE?
RH: I believe this amended version demonstrates our commitment to addressing concerns while staying true to the intent of providing our youth with essential, life-saving information. We’re open to further discussions and willing to make changes that respect cultural sensitivities and individual beliefs while still protecting our children’s health and rights.
thoughts for Our Readers
AN: Lastly, how can our readers engage in this conversation and help shape the bill going forward?
RH: I invite everyone to engage in a meaningful, respectful dialog about this bill. Attend public hearings, send in your inputs, and share your stories. Let’s work together to create a bill that best serves our young Filipinos, reflecting our unique culture and values while ensuring their well-being and future.
