A recent study by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that out of over 3,000 children born to mothers aged 10 to 14 in 2023, only 22 had fathers of the same age, raising serious concerns about abuse and statutory rape.
Former Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Executive Director Dr. Jeepy Perez emphasized in a GMA News report the urgency of implementing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to address these alarming figures. Speaking at a media discussion, he pointed out that 99% of the fathers were older than 17, often holding positions of authority or influence over the young mothers.
“These pregnancies are not just about early motherhood but cases of abuse,” Perez stressed. He noted that many of the fathers were individuals with economic power, neighbors, or people familiar to the victims.
Perez also highlighted the repetitive nature of the abuse, explaining that pregnancy does not always occur in a single incident, making young victims more vulnerable to repeated violations.
He called for stronger government action to protect children and ensure that those responsible for these cases are held accountable.
