Seven senators have withdrawn their support for Senate Bill No. 1979 or the proposed Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act.
In a letter to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday, January 21, Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, and Christopher “Bong” Go requested the withdrawal of their signatures from Committee Report No. 41.
“In light of the recent feedback and numerous concerns raised on Senate Bill No. 1979, entitled an Act Providing for a National Policy in Preventing Adolescent Pregnancies, Institutionalizing Social Protection for Adolescent Parents, and Providing Funds Thereof, under Committee Report No. 41, we respectfully request the withdrawal of out signatures from the said committee report,” the senators said in the letter to Escudero.
“While we believe that the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is an issue that must be urgently addressed, it is our position that further dialogues with stakeholders is essential, in order to accurately dispel misconceptions and remove objectionable portions from the bill,” they further said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada also “disassociated” himself from the measure. He also signed Committee Report No. 41.
“I arrived at this informed decision after I have carefully evaluated the sentiments and grave concerns of various private organizations that have expressed strong opposition on the proposed legislation,” Estrada said.
Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. expressed shock at “some of the elements” in the measure, opposing the risky clauses in the bill.
The President, in particular, pointed to a clause leading to the teaching of children about masturbation and the introduction of different sexualities under the bill as part of the proposed Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
But Marcos said he only supports teaching children about human anatomy and the basic tenets of procreation which is already present in the existing sex education policies.
Escudero, Senators Joel Villanueva, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. have also expressed concern over the current form of Senate Bill No. 1979.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality had earlier rejected allegations about the bill circulating online, saying these are mere misinformation.
Nevertheless, she said, she is willing to accept amendments to refine the bill so it can be enacted into law at the soonest possible time.
“Naiintindihan ko na baka may konsiderasyon silang inisip na nagtulak sa pag-withdraw nila sa isang bill na naglalayong tumugon sa tumataas na kaso ng teen pregnancy (I understand that they may have had some consideration in mind that prompted their withdrawal from a bill that aims to respond to the rising cases of teen pregnancy)," Hontiveros said when sought to comment on the withdrawal of support of some senators.
“Gayunpaman, umaasa po ako na basahin nila ang substitute bill na plano ko pong i-file na nagsasaalang-alang sa mga pangamba ng iba’t ibang grupo (However, I hope they will read the substitute bill I plan to file that takes into account the concerns of various groups),” she stressed.
Meanwhile, Sen. Robinhood Padilla chose not to withdraw his signature from the bill, saying he signed the measure to start discussions about the issue.
In a related development, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. also withdrew his support and signature on the said measure “for the peace of mind” of those who have expressed concern for the measure.
“I find myself in conflict with the possible outcomes should the said legislative measure be enacted into law,” said Revilla.
Sen. Loren Legarda also followed suit.
