By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Four senators withdrew their signatures from Senate Bill No. 1979, or the proposed “Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023,” on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Senators JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, and Bong Go retracted their support for the bill, citing the need for further dialogue with stakeholders to address objections and clarify misunderstandings about the proposal.
In a joint letter to Senate President Chiz Escudero, the senators acknowledged the urgency of tackling the country’s rising adolescent pregnancy rates but emphasized the importance of refining the measure.
“In light of the recent feedback and numerous concerns raised on Senate Bill No. 1979, entitled An Act Providing for a National Policy in Preventing Adolescent Pregnancies, Institutionalizing Social Protection for Adolescent Parents, and Providing Funds Therefor, under Committee Report No. 41, we respectfully request the withdrawal of our signatures from the said committee report,” the letter stated.
The statement further read: “While we believe that the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy is an issue that must be urgently addressed, it is our position that further dialogues with stakeholders are essential to accurately dispel misconceptions and remove objectionable portions from the bill.”
The bill has faced strong opposition from some religious groups and lawmakers, particularly over provisions on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also criticized what he described as “absurd policies proposed in the implementation of sex education in the country.”
