The controversial Adolescent pregnancy Prevention Bill in the Senate is facing ‌a⁢ major shift‌ after its sponsor, Senator Risa Hontiveros, withdrew ‌the provision on Extensive Sexual Education (CSE) ⁤”guided by international standards.” This ‌move ‍comes after⁢ meaningful backlash from critics, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who raised concerns about the bill’s potential impact on young children.

Hontiveros, who chairs⁤ the Committee on Women, Children, ⁤Family Relations, and Gender Equality, filed a substitute bill that ⁢limits mandatory CSE to adolescents aged 10 and ‌above and includes ⁤provisions guaranteeing academic and ‌religious freedom. “I⁢ am⁢ filing an amendment by substitution that seeks to address ​the objections in the bill,” she stated during a Senate plenary session.

President Marcos, in a statement to reporters, declared that he would veto the bill, expressing concern that it would teach‍ children as young as four years old about masturbation and grant them the right to ‌explore different sexualities. This sparked a‍ heated debate about the nature and scope of CSE, with former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, part of a group questioning the bill, arguing that it aligned with curricula set by international organizations like UNESCO ⁣and the World Health Association. Sereno emphasized that these international guidelines include provisions for teaching about masturbation for children aged⁤ zero⁤ to four and “bodily pleasure” or “sexual rights” for children aged six to nine.

The initial version ⁤of the bill, Senate bill No. 1979,envisioned a Comprehensive Sexuality Programme as a compulsory part of education at ‌all levels,aiming to⁢ normalize discussions about adolescent sexuality and reproductive health. Section 6 of the original bill mandated that ⁤CSE be⁣ “integrated in the school curriculum, guided by ⁣ [the Department of Education] ⁢ and international standards.”

Amidst the ​controversy,seven out of the 18 senators who initially signed the committee report on the⁣ measure withdrew their support.​ Hontiveros has repeatedly denied any ​provision within the bill‌ regarding childhood⁤ masturbation, anal sex, or oral sex, asserting that these concepts are inappropriate for children.

Hontiveros remains firm in her advocacy for CSE, citing the 2021 Young ​Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey which revealed​ that ⁤Filipino youth would rather seek information elsewhere‍ than from their parents when it comes to sexual and reproductive⁣ health. “I cannot in good conscience support ‌the complete removal of Comprehensive Sexuality Education from our policy ‍landscape,” she emphasized.

How does Senator‌ Hontiveros plan⁣ to address the concerns of parents and religious⁤ groups who believe‍ that Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) is inappropriate for young⁢ children?

Exclusive: Interview with Senator Risa Hontiveros on the Evolving ⁣Adolescent Pregnancy⁣ Prevention Bill

In the⁢ wake of the controversy surrounding the Adolescent⁤ Pregnancy Prevention bill, we⁣ sat down with its sponsor, Senator Risa Hontiveros, to discuss the recent ‍amendments and ⁣the ongoing debate about Comprehensive​ Sexual Education (CSE).

Updating ⁤the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill

Archyde news (AN): Senator​ Hontiveros, you’ve recently ⁤filed a substitute ⁢bill, addressing some ⁣of the concerns raised about the initial version. Can you tell us about these changes and what led to them?

Sen. ‍Risa Hontiveros ⁣(RH): Yes, we’ve indeed filed an amended version of the bill ‍in response to the valid concerns raised, ‍particularly regarding the age limit and academic freedom. The⁢ new provision ⁢limits‌ mandatory CSE to adolescents aged‌ 10 ‌and above, responding to President Marcos’ and other critics’ fears that the ⁤previous version might expose younger children to inappropriate content. ⁣Additionally, ⁢we’ve included provisions guaranteeing academic and religious freedom‌ to ensure no student or‌ educator ⁤is forced⁣ to go against their beliefs.

CSE and Its Critics: ‍International Standards vs. Local Concerns

AN: ‌ The debate⁢ around CSE has been heated, with critics led by President ​Marcos arguing that it ⁣promotes inappropriate content‌ for young children. Meanwhile, advocates like yourself point ⁤to international standards set by ‌organizations like UNESCO and WHO. Can you help our ‌readers understand this ‌international outlook?

RH: Certainly. These international ⁤guidelines, while seeming controversial ‍to some, ‌are rooted in the principles of sexual ‍health, rights, and‌ positive parenting.⁤ They aim to provide children with age-appropriate, accurate details to protect them from⁢ harm, including abuse⁣ and unwanted pregnancies. ‌However,we acknowledge that ther are cultural and ‍religious differences that need to be respected. Hence, the amended bill ensures local context and individual beliefs ⁢are taken into account.

A‍ Balanced Approach to⁤ CSE

AN: Seven⁤ senators have withdrawn their support for ‍the bill. What message ⁤do you hope this amended version ‌sends to those who remain concerned​ or skeptical about CSE?

RH: I believe this amended version demonstrates our commitment to addressing concerns while staying true to the intent of providing our‌ youth with ⁢essential, life-saving information. We’re open to further discussions and willing to make changes that respect⁣ cultural ⁣sensitivities and individual beliefs⁢ while still protecting our children’s health and rights.

thoughts for Our ⁤Readers

AN: Lastly, how can our readers engage in this⁤ conversation and help shape⁤ the ⁤bill going forward?

RH: ⁤I invite everyone to engage ​in a meaningful, respectful dialog about this bill.⁣ Attend ​public hearings,⁢ send in your inputs, and share your stories. Let’s ⁢work together⁣ to create a bill that best‌ serves our young Filipinos, ⁤reflecting our unique ‌culture and ⁣values‌ while ensuring their well-being and future.