Seven senators have withdrawn support for Senate Bill 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, citing concerns raised by private organizations.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and other lawmakers, including Senators Ramon Revilla Jr., Nancy Binay, and Cynthia Villar, emphasized the need for further refinement and consultations to address contentious aspects of the measure.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the bill’s author, acknowledged the disinformation surrounding the proposal and has filed amendments to address objections, such as limiting comprehensive sex education to adolescents aged 10 and above.
Despite the withdrawals, Hontiveros expressed hope that the bill’s progress would continue, urging her colleagues to prioritize solutions to the country’s alarming teenage pregnancy rate.
The substitute bill is set to undergo further debates and interpellations in the Senate.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 23, 2025
