In a significant development, seven senators have withdrawn their support for Senate Bill 1979, known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, amid backlash from various groups. The senators communicated their decisions in letters to Senate President Francis Escudero, citing concerns over the bill’s content and its potential impact on youth.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada was among the first to step back, stating that his decision came after considering the strong opposition from private organizations. Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. also voiced his concerns, suggesting that the bill needs further refinement to better align with his advocacy and the needs of his constituents.
Senator Nancy Binay expressed her doubts about the bill’s appropriateness for young audiences and questioned its effectiveness in addressing the issue of teen pregnancy. She emphasized the need for more study to determine if the bill would truly solve the problem.
Senator Cynthia Villar stressed the importance of respecting public sentiment and the need for broader consultation. Similarly, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito called for additional study and stakeholder engagement to clarify and correct any parts of the bill that might cause confusion or concern.
Senators Loren Legarda and Christopher Lawrence Go also removed their endorsements from the bill.
Despite these withdrawals, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, the bill’s author and sponsor, remains optimistic. She has proposed amendments to address the criticisms, including removing references to international standards and limiting comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents aged 10 and above, while ensuring respect for academic and religious freedoms.
Hontiveros is hopeful that these changes will encourage her colleagues to reconsider their positions. She has filed an amendment by substitution and believes that the bill’s progress will not be hindered by the withdrawal of signatures, as she has already presented it in the plenary. According to Senate rules, any further opposition or amendments must be addressed during the interpellations and period of amendments.