Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros refuted accusations against Senate Bill 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, during a press conference at the Senate on Wednesday. She dismissed circulating claims that the bill promotes inappropriate content for children, describing them as baseless fabrications.
Hontiveros clarified that the bill does not include provisions about teaching children aged 4 about masturbation, introducing bodily pleasures to 6-year-olds, or asserting sexual rights for 9-year-olds. “Absolutely none of those concepts exist in our bill. These claims are complete and total fabrication,” she said.
The senator also debunked claims that the bill relies on the “Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe” as its framework, stating it is instead rooted in the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law.
Hontiveros called out Project Dalisay, a group opposing the bill, for spreading misinformation. She emphasized the need for factual discussions, especially on legislation aimed at protecting children.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, representing Project Dalisay, argued that the bill bypasses the role of parents in teaching sexuality and suggested adopting Singapore’s approach to curbing teen pregnancy, which emphasizes aspiration-driven education and self-control.
Hontiveros reiterated the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy, which she described as a national emergency. “This bill isn’t just necessary—it is urgent. Let us demand real education for our kids,” she stressed.
The bill, supported by various stakeholders including the Council for the Welfare of Children and former Population Commission officials, is currently awaiting Second Reading in the Senate, with backing from 17 senators.
