Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros recently tackled the rampant spread of false information about the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill during a Senate press briefing. She stressed the bill’s urgency, describing adolescent pregnancy as a national and social emergency that demands immediate action. Hontiveros refuted claims that the bill encourages inappropriate sexual education, clarifying that it does not include teachings on ‘bodily pleasure’ or ‘sexual rights’ for young children and is firmly rooted in Philippine law, not European standards. She criticized groups like Project Dalisay for spreading misleading information, calling it a disservice to children and a distraction from the real issue at hand. Hontiveros was supported by Undersecretary Angelo Tapales of the Council for the Welfare of Children and Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, former executive director of the Commission on Population and Development, who both endorsed the bill. Tapales highlighted the child protection aspect of adolescent pregnancy, pointing out disturbing statistics from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing a rise in pregnancies among girls under 15. Perez added that there has been a significant increase in pregnancies among very young adolescents since 2018, emphasizing the need for comprehensive sexuality education to prevent abuse and empower youth. Both officials assured that such education would be developed with strict safeguards and in line with child protection and constitutional values. The bill, which has already been sponsored and supported by 17 senators, is awaiting further discussion and amendments in the Senate.
Hontiveros Stands Firm on Adolescent Pregnancy Bill Amid Misinformation
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