By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(January 23, 2025) – A non-government organization (NGO) on Thursday expressed hope that senators will seriously review the proposed anti-teenage pregnancy bill instead of simply posturing for the 2025 midterm elections.
Likhaan Center for Women’s Health (LCWH) called on lawmakers to thoroughly study Senate Bill No. 1979 or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
“I hope they disregard that it’s election time next season,” said LCWH executive director Dr. Junice Demetrio Melgar on One PH’s One Balita Pilipinas. “I would appeal to them to lead kasi hindi puwedeng dagsa-dagsa kang magre-react negatively and strongly to the point of vetoing a very positive bill.”
Her statements came after seven senators, namely Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon Revilla Jr., Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, Loren Legarda, Bong Go, and Nancy Binay, withdrew their support for SB 1979 following the concerns raised by various groups.
Except for Legarda, they are vying for positions in the upcoming polls.
Critics of the bill claimed that the provisions for comprehensive sexual education (CSE) could threaten the country’s “societal, moral, and spiritual values.”
Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. vowed to veto the bill due to its “woke absurdities.”
ALSO READ: Marcos vows to veto anti-adolescent pregnancy measure over ‘absurd’ provisions
Political observers claimed that religion could be used to “hijack” the government’s policy agenda, with over 90% of Filipinos identifying themselves as Christians.
Hontiveros already filed a substitute bill, amending certain provisions, including Section 6, wherein CSE won’t be guided by international standards anymore. It also guaranteed parental authority and religious freedom.
Melgar stressed that the country needs SB 1979 as violence against women remains prevalent, leading to teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
“Ang sexual coercion at abuse kasi, matatanda ang madalas partners nila (victims). Kailangan ng protection more than anything. Welcome na welcome ito (SB 1979) dahil hindi kaya ng NGOs (solusyonan lahat). Kailangan mo talaga ng government approach,” added Melgar.
Pregnancy among girls under 15 years old in the Philippines rose to 35% from 2021 to 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
(PM)
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