President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has expressed strong opposition to elements of Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Anti-Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.
Speaking on Monday, Marcos described parts of the proposed legislation as “shocking” and “abhorrent,” particularly concerning what he referred to as “woke” inclusions.
“You will teach four-year-olds how to masturbate. That every child has the right to try different sexualities. This is ridiculous. It is abhorrent,” Marcos stated, emphasizing his concerns as a parent and grandparent.
The President assured the public that if the bill included these provisions, he would veto it immediately.
However, Senator Risa Hontiveros, the principal author of the bill, refuted Marcos’ claims. She clarified that the words “masturbation” and “try other sexualities” are not present in the bill.
“Mr. President, with all due respect, it is clear that these terms are not mentioned in the bill. CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education) includes the very things you support: teaching kids anatomy, the consequences of early pregnancy. That is what we are advocating,” Hontiveros said.
She also expressed willingness to accept amendments to refine the bill and ensure its passage.
CONTROVERSY OVER SEXUALITY EDUCATION
Hontiveros addressed misconceptions raised by groups like “Project Dalisay,” which alleged that the bill promotes inappropriate concepts threatening Filipino values. The senator emphasized that the bill does not advocate teaching children about “bodily pleasure” or “sexual rights,” contrary to claims made by former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Sereno pointed out that the curriculum aligns with UNESCO and WHO’s international standards, which she criticized for including philosophies normalizing bodily pleasure.
MARCOS’ STANCE ON SEX EDUCATION
Marcos reiterated his belief in the importance of sex education, particularly teaching reproductive anatomy and the consequences of early pregnancy and HIV.
“Let me be very, very clear: I still believe that teaching kids the anatomy of male and female reproductive systems is extremely important. But the ‘woke absurdities’ included in this bill are abhorrent to me,” Marcos said.
SB 1979 has been sponsored in the Senate plenary and is under discussion for interpellation and amendments.