Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a substitute bill to amend certain provisions of Senate Bill 1979, also known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, after receiving criticism and the withdrawal of signatures from several senators.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Hontiveros, the principal author of the bill, mentioned that she received information that some of her colleagues had withdrawn as co-authors of the Senate Bill, adding that she understands their shared sentiments.
"Nakaabot po sa akin na ang ilan po sa aking mga colleagues ay nag withdraw bilang coauthor sa Senate Bill 1979, o yung Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy," Hontiveros stated.
"Nauunawaan ko po ang kanilang mga posibleng konsiderasyon, and I wish to take this opportunity to inform the body that I have given much thought to the opposition raised against the bill," she added.
Despite her conviction that the Senate Bill is a well-reasoned and appropriate response to the national crisis of teenage pregnancy, Hontiveros emphasized the importance of unity in addressing this issue and providing support to the youth in need.
She mentioned that she is saddened by the discussions surrounding the bill, which have been muddled by so much disinformation, including claims that the bill includes concepts like 0-4 masturbation, anal sex, oral sex, and other topics deemed inappropriate for children.
"Pero uulitin ko, wala naman ang mga ito sa bill. At kailanman ay hindi ito makakapasok sa anumang panukala na aking sinusulong," she added.
Hontiveros added that she cannot support the complete removal of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) from the policy landscape, not only for the Filipino youth but also for their parents, guardians, and teachers who find it difficult to discuss sensitive topics with their children.
She then cited the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey, which showed that Filipino youth would rather ask no one at all than ask any of their parents about sexual and reproductive health.
"Kailangang-kailangan ito, at napatunayan na ng maraming pag-aaral at karanasan ng lokal na komunidad, na ang epekto ng CSE ay pagbaba- hindi pagtaas- ng numero ng kabataang maagang nabubuntis," said Hontiveros.
Ultimately, to address the objections raised, Hontiveros amended certain provisions, including the removal of the phrase "guided by international standards."
Furthermore, CSE has been limited to adolescents, or those 10 years old and above, and a provision guaranteeing academic and religious freedom has been introduced.
"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," Hontiveros said in closing.
Earlier, seven senators withdrew their support for the Senate Bill due to concerns raised by individuals and groups, particularly regarding its provisions on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had also previously expressed strong opposition to the "woke absurdities" in the bill, stating that if it were passed in its current form, he would immediately veto it.
