MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasized the importance of passing Senate Bill No. 1979, or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, to help address teenage pregnancy.
“Ang pangunahing layunin po ng Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill ay maturuan, masuportahan, at maprotektahan natin ang ating mga anak, ang ating mga estudyante laban sa maagang pagbubuntis,” Hontiveros said on Friday (January 17, 2025).
“Layunin din po ng Comprehensive Sexuality Education sa bill na kung, sa kabila ng lahat ng ating preventive measures, ay maaga pa rin silang mabuntis, at least mag-provide ng social protection sa kanila, para makabalik at makapagtapos sa pag-aaral, maturuan at masuportahan silang alagaan ang kanilang mga babies at mapigilan ang repeat teenage pregnancy,” she added.
However, the senators’ positions on the matter are divided.
Earlier, Senator Joel Villanueva stated that he is “rejecting” the bill, adding that he does “not feel it is important.”
“I just can’t believe that we’re even entertaining this idea. Why should we follow international standards? We have our own culture,” Villanueva said.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero has also expressed opposition to the bill.
ia/mnm
