MANILA – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday addressed the spread of misinformation surrounding the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.
In a press briefing at the Senate, Hontiveros emphasized that the bill is a critical response to what the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has identified as a “national and social emergency” since 2019.
“This bill isn’t just necessary – it is urgent. We cannot ignore this issue anymore,” Hontiveros said.
The senator debunked false claims about the bill, including allegations that it promotes inappropriate sexual education for children.
She clarified that the bill contains no provisions about teaching “bodily pleasure” or “sexual rights” to young children, and is not based on European standards but strictly adheres to Philippine laws.
“These outrageous claims are outright lies pulled out of thin air,” she said, directly refuting accusations from groups like Project Dalisay, which opposes the bill.
Hontiveros said the spread of misinformation by critics is a disservice to children and a distraction from addressing the teen pregnancy crisis.
“We welcome debates, but let’s base them on facts, not fabricated fears,” she urged.
Hontiveros was joined by Undersecretary Angelo Tapales of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, former executive director of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), who both expressed strong support for the measure.
Tapales called adolescent pregnancy a child protection issue, citing alarming data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2022 that recorded 3,135 pregnancies among girls under 15, rising to 3,343 in 2023.
He said a significant 72 percent of adolescent pregnancies involved older men, often indicating abuse.
Perez, meanwhile, noted a 50 percent increase in pregnancies among very young adolescents (10–14 years old) since 2018, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to combat abuse and empower the youth.
“CSE will be developed under strict safeguards and in consultation with stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with child protection and our constitutional values,” Tapales assured.
The bill, sponsored last year, awaits plenary interpellation and amendments.
With 17 senators already signing the committee report, Hontiveros remains hopeful for its progress. (PNA)