The Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) and partners stand in strong solidarity with advocates, civil society organizations, stakeholders, and policymakers in the Philippines in supporting the passage of Senate Bill No. 1979, also known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill.
We are deeply concerned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced his intention to veto Senate Bill 1979 in ‘its current form,’ just days after emphasizing that ‘the teaching of sex education in our schools is very, very, very important.’ This contradiction to his position is disheartening, especially given the severity of the adolescent pregnancy crisis in the Philippines. Moreover, it is alarming that his decision seems to have been influenced by the spread of misinformation and disinformation about the bill.
Adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing human rights issue. For a young girl, an unintended pregnancy could mean stopping school and taking on responsibilities they should not have to bear at such a young age.
In 2020, over 56,000 live births were recorded among adolescent mothers in the Philippines, including 51 aged 10 to 12. Many cases involved statutory rape, exploitation, and older partners. Conversations about sex are not commonly held within families, leaving many without trusted guidance. Only 1 in 10 youth reported having discussions about sex at home, while 44% of girls and 39% of boys stated that they lack access to any reliable material sources of information about sex. A lack of accessible sexual health education leaves 4 in 10 young Filipinos uninformed, with most relying on social media, which makes them vulnerable to misinformation, exploitation, unsafe practices, and exposure to online predators.
These statistics reflect the lived experiences of many young Filipinos and underscore the urgent need for a national policy that not only prevents adolescent pregnancies but also institutionalizes social protections for adolescent parents. Families, schools, institutions, stakeholders, and duty-bearers must collaborate to ensure that young people have access to comprehensive services and information—beyond basic anatomy and disease prevention.
The bill aims to strengthen the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), which is already mandated by law. CSE plays a critical role in fostering understanding of consent and healthy boundaries—a cornerstone in preventing gender-based violence (GBV). As GBV continues to rise, equipping young girls with knowledge becomes crucial in helping them recognize acts of manipulation and reject practices that perpetuate exploitation, abuse, and coercion.
It will be delivered in a medically accurate, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive manner. With this, we can help every young girl in the Philippines make informed decisions, take responsible actions, empower them to assert their rights, and build relationships based on respect.
CSE does not remove the role of parents. Instead, parents and guardians will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide, counsel, and support their children in making informed decisions about their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
It is misguided to label teachers as “strangers” who should not be entrusted with teaching students CSE. After all, don’t we refer to them as second parents? The bill, when passed, will ensure training for teachers, guidance counselors, and school officials on adolescent health, development, and gender sensitivity.
Furthermore, evidence has consistently demonstrated that CSE does not increase sexual activity or risk-taking behaviors. Instead, it has been shown to delay sexual initiation and significantly reduce unintended pregnancies, childbearing, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
We urge everyone to be critical and vigilant of the misinformation and disinformation circulating surrounding the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) Bill. This is a deliberate attempt to manipulate the narrative through fabrication and falsehoods, using fear-mongering and deception to obstruct critical progress.
Before issuing a veto, we strongly urge the President—and likewise call on legislators—to revisit and thoroughly study the bill, offering recommendations for improvement rather than deliberately opposing and dismissing this critical measure designed to protect and uphold the rights and welfare of teenage parents and every young Filipino.
It is time to pass Senate Bill 1979: Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill!
SOURCE: Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights, 20 January 2025.