MANILA – Seven senators on Wednesday announced their withdrawal of support for Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, following concerns raised by various groups.
In a letter to Senate President Francis Escudero, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada expressed his decision to distance himself from the measure after evaluating feedback from private organizations.
“I arrived at this decision after I have carefully evaluated the sentiments and grave concerns of various private organizations that have expressed strong opposition to the proposed legislation,” Estrada said.
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to further refine the bill.
“While I remain committed to addressing critical issues like adolescent pregnancy, I believe certain aspects of the proposed legislation require further alignment with my advocacies and the interests of our constituents,” Revilla wrote in a separate letter to Escudero.
Senator Nancy Binay, in an interview, also revealed her reservations about the measure.
“Syempre as a mother, concern ko din yung baka hindi nga talaga age-appropriate ang tinuturo sa ating mga kabataan. And at the same time, I also agree that talagang may problema tayo sa teen pregnancy. But siguro kailangan pag-aralan. Will this bill really solve the problem (Of course as a mother, my concern is whether the content is age-appropriate for our children. And at the same time, I also agree that we have a problem with teenage pregnancy. But maybe this bill needs further study. Will it really solve the problem)?” Binay said.
Senator Cynthia Villar also highlighted the importance of consultation and respect for public sentiment.
“This decision does not signify a rejection of the bill’s objectives but is a gesture of respect for the concerns raised,” she stated.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito likewise said further study and consultation with stakeholders are necessary before the bill is approved.
“Ito ay para maalis ang anumang maling pananaw at maitama ang mga bahaging maaaring magdulot ng kalituhan o pag-aalala (This is to remove any wrong perspective and correct parts that may cause confusion or worries),” Ejercito said.
Senators Loren Legarda and Christopher Lawrence Go also withdrew their signatures in the bill.
Substitute bill
Despite the withdrawals, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who authored and sponsored the bill, acknowledged the disinformation surrounding the measure and proposed amendments to address objections.
“We have removed the phrase ‘guided by international standards’ and limited CSE to adolescents aged 10 and above, ensuring academic and religious freedoms,” she clarified.
Hontiveros urged her colleagues to reconsider, emphasizing the urgency of addressing teenage pregnancy.
“Having expressed this, with the consent of the body and after discussions with the Senate President, who I am very grateful to for allowing this space for discourse, I am filing an amendment by substitution that seeks to address the objections in the bill,” she said.
Hontiveros said she expects that the withdrawal of signatures would not affect the bill’s progress, considering that she already sponsored it on the plenary.
Based on Senate Rules, any move to oppose or suggest further amendments to the measure should be done during the interpellations and period of amendments. (PNA)