Taguig City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed strong opposition to certain provisions of Senate Bill 1979, commonly referred to as the teenage pregnancy prevention bill, particularly its approach to sex education. He declared his intention to veto the bill if it were passed in its current form.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos reiterated his support for sex education but criticized the so-called “woke” elements in the bill, labeling them as “ridiculous” and “abhorrent.” He highlighted his concern that the bill’s content could lead to the hypersexualization of children, specifically pointing out proposed teachings that include instructions on masturbation.
During a media interview in Taguig City, Marcos shared his reaction after reviewing the bill over the weekend. He voiced his disapproval of teaching young children about masturbation and the concept that every child has the right to explore different sexualities. He described these aspects as a departure from what he believes sex education should be, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in deciding the timing and content of their children’s education.
Marcos also stressed the significance of educating children on essential topics, such as human anatomy, the consequences of early pregnancy, and the risks associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). He acknowledged these topics as crucial components of a comprehensive sex education curriculum.
Senator Joel Villanueva expressed gratitude for President Marcos’s stance against certain provisions of the bill. In a statement, Villanueva emphasized the need to preserve children’s innocence and protect their well-being while addressing adolescent pregnancy. He also highlighted the constitutional rights of families and parents in child-rearing and urged lawmakers to safeguard these rights.
Villanueva stated, “While we agree that there is a need to address the rising cases of adolescent pregnancy in the country, it should not be at the expense of our children’s innocence.”
