PBBM On Anti-Adolescent Pregnancy Bill: "I was shocked, appalled"

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while expressing support for sex education in schools, has clarified his position with limitations, now pledging to veto Senate Bill 1979, or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, if it reaches his desk in its current form.

PBBM's (and Other Senators') Response to the Anti-Adolescent Pregnancy Bill vs. What It’s Really About

During the launch of the Tesla Center Philippines in BGC, Marcos spoke with the media and expressed opposition to what he called the "woke absurdities" within the bill.

"I stand by my belief that sex education is extremely important," he emphasized. However, he rejected elements of the bill that he claimed would teach young children inappropriate content, such as "masturbation" and "try different sexualities."

"I was shocked, and I was appalled by some of the elements of that. Because this is... all this 'woke' that they are trying to bring into our system," Marcos said.

"You will teach four-year-olds how to masturbate. That every child has the right to try different sexualities. This is ridiculous. It is abhorrent. It is a travesty of what sexual and sex education should be to the children," he added.

"So, let me be very, very clear, I still believe that sex education in terms of teaching kids the anatomy of the reproductive systems of male and female is extremely important," he said.

He continued, "The consequences of early pregnancy, the prevalence of HIV, kailangan ituro lahat 'yan para alam nung mga kabataan. Pero 'yung mga sinama nila na mga 'woke' na absurdities are abhorrent to me."

To underscore his disapproval, Marcos assured the public that he would veto the bill if passed in its current form.

"And I'm already guaranteeing, hindi pa napasa ito pero... if this bill is passed in that form, I guarantee all parents, teachers, and children, I will immediately veto it."

Senator Risa Hontiveros, the author of Senate Bill 1979, responded to President Marcos' remarks on January 20 via a short-form video, saying, "Mr. President, with all due respect, maliwanag na wala po sa bill kahit ang salita na 'masturbation'. Wala rin po 'yung 'try different sexualities'."

She added, "Comprehensive Sexuality Education o CSE contains the very same things you support: teaching kids anatomy, the consequences of early pregnancy. Yan po ang atin ding sinusulong."

Senators Raise Concerns Over Senate Bill 1979

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has also voiced opposition to Senate Bill 1979, saying it could encourage early sexual experimentation among young children.

He criticized the bill's approach to teaching sexual topics, such as condom use and, like PBBM, masturbation, to children as young as six or seven.

Zubiri said in an interview, "The people should know that. Do they want their children who are six years old, seven years old [are] taught to use condoms? They are being taught sexual activities and pleasurable activities utilizing our bodies, for example, masturbation."

He added, "As a parent, I don't agree with that. I would be angry at that kind of school teaching and it would push for experimentation with children."

Zubiri also pointed out, "Instead of the bill preventing adolescent pregnancy, baka magkakaroon pa tayo lalo ng mas maraming adolescent pregnancy because of experimentation."

While he supports protecting teen mothers, Zubiri stated, "As a measure that protects teenage pregnant women, I'm okay with that as long as there is no abortion. But all sections which discuss the education, training, orientation of young people particularly on [sex] should be deleted."

Similarly, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva also voiced his opposition, stating, "I am rejecting this bill. I'm sorry. I just don't feel it is important." He criticized the Bill's provisions, calling some of them "radical, inappropriate, and damaging to children."

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero also distanced himself from the Bill, stating, "As it was originally reported, no. At least not in its entirety. In fact, I have relayed several proposed amendments to the author."

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Senate Bill 1979: A Misunderstood Bill

For the record, the bill does not include anything about toddler masturbation. Senator Risa Hontiveros had previously addressed this and other misconceptions in a Facebook Live press conference.

When asked if the bill teaches inappropriate concepts like masturbation to kids aged 0 to 4, Hontiveros firmly clarified that no such provisions exist. She stated, "Walang anumang probisyon tungkol sa pagtuturo or paghikayat ng masturbation sa mga batang edad 0 to 4 years old o yung magtuturo daw diumano ng ‘bodily pleasure’ sa mga batang 6 to 9 years old o na ituturo din daw sa bata na may sexual rights sila."

Her remarks emphasized that these claims are baseless and do not reflect the content or intent of the bill.

The bill aims to ensure that adolescents receive proper education and support, enabling them to make responsible decisions about their reproductive health without promoting any material deemed inappropriate or culturally insensitive.

Senator Hontiveros also debunked related claims, including fears that the bill would follow foreign standards unsuitable for the Philippines. She emphasized that the bill is based on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, a framework long established in the country, ensuring that its provisions align with the Constitution and respect local cultural norms.

She appealed to the public to carefully read and understand the Bill, as it seeks to empower the youth and prevent further cases of early and unintended pregnancies, rather than sow division or controversy.

Importance of a Well-rounded Sex Education

To effectively address adolescent pregnancy and sexual health, education should cover more than just body anatomy. It's important to include topics like consent, healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and the potential risks of early sexual activity.

A well-rounded education can help adolescents make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships, preparing them to navigate the complexities of sexuality responsibly. Balancing biological education with these broader aspects is key in supporting the well-being of young individuals.

To learn more about the Senate Bill 1979, click here for Smart Parenting's in-depth explainer.