Manila: President Ferdinand Marcos R. Jr. on Thursday stated that he needs to review the latest version of Senate Bill (SB) 1979, known as the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, before reconsidering the proposal that mandates the implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President’s remarks came in response to a media question regarding his stance on the teenage pregnancy bill, which he previously criticized for containing elements he deemed inappropriate for young children. Marcos emphasized the need to read the substitute bill, as quoted by Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez.

While Marcos has shown support for the CSE, he has objected to certain provisions of SB 1979. In a media interview in Taguig City on Monday, he expressed shock and disapproval over aspects of the bill that he claimed remove parental consent from the CSE and introduce sexual concepts to very young children. He asserted his intention to veto the measure if it is passed in its current form.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who authored and sponsored the bill, filed a substitute measure for SB 1979 on Wednesday. This followed concerns raised by various groups and the withdrawal of support from at least seven senators. The amendments include changes to Section 5 of the proposed measure, which previously allowed adolescents unrestricted access to health facilities and services without parental consent. The revised bill stipulates that access should be responsive to the specific needs of adolescents.

Section 6 of SB 1979 proposes making CSE a compulsory part of education, aiming to normalize discussions about adolescent sexuality and reproductive health. It also calls for the standardization and implementation of CSE in all educational institutions, with the guidance of the Department of Education. The new bill removes references to international standards and emphasizes age-appropriate content.

Additionally, Section 7 of the substitute bill requires parental or guardian consent for minors under 16 to access sexual and reproductive health information and services. Section 11 allows for government partnerships with the private sector to promote CSE.