The necessity of Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, has once again sparked heated discussions.
This comes after the Department of Health (DOH) expressed reservations about the measure, arguing that the implementation of existing laws, such as the Reproductive Health Law, can help address the alarming rise in teenage pregnancy cases.
"Mayroon naman tayong Reproductive Health Law, hindi naman tayo kailangang magpasa ng panibagong batas (We already have the Reproductive Health Law; there’s no need to pass a new law),” DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a recent radio interview.
For the Child Rights Network (CRN), SB 1979—along with its substitute bill—is necessary to address this complex social issue.
"Senate Bill 1979 is needed and should not have been controversial," CRN said in a statement.
CRN noted that the DOH, along with other relevant government agencies, has supported this proposed measure in various ways—attending consultations, expressing support, and even participating in public events advocating for the bill.
This, CRN said, was before the “spread of disinformation and fearmongering” against Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), which is part of the proposed bill.
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https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/18/fake-news-and-fearmongering
Complementary law
CRN emphasized that SB 1979 was “always intended as a complementary law” to address gaps in the RH Law.
It also aims to strengthen the CSE implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) and institutionalize social protection for teen parents and their children.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/18/understanding-dep-ed-s-comprehensive-sexuality-education-program
CRN explained that under SB 1979, CSE would also cover out-of-school youth, not just children in formal schools.
"The most vulnerable youth to teen pregnancy and even repeated teen pregnancy are often in the poorest communities," CRN said.
The proposed measure also “expands the involvement and training” of parents, teachers, and other CSE implementers.
Additionally, CRN said SB 1979 would provide training for health workers to deliver health services that are “free of stigma and discrimination.”
Moreover, the bill “supports teen parents to complete their education.”
CRN stressed that the proposed measure would help ensure youth and teen parents have access to “health services within the bounds of our existing laws” and provide support to “teen parents to help them earn a living.”
Not against the Constitution
Critics have also dismissed the need for SB 1979 and the CSE, claiming it is unconstitutional.
Addressing these claims, CRN maintained that all provisions of the bill respect childhood, culture, rights, and dignity. “It remains within the bounds of the Constitution and our existing laws,” the group said.
CRN also pointed out that the Philippine Constitution guarantees children’s rights to education and the highest standard of health.
"It guarantees the State’s protection of children from neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development," the group added.
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