DAVAO City Councilor Pilar Braga has voiced her opposition to Senate Bill (SB) No. 1979, which includes provisions for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).
In a privilege speech during the council session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Braga, who chairs the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, emphasized her commitment to protecting children’s innocence and upholding moral values in education.
“This is not a battle against education but a stand for an education system that upholds decency, respect, and responsibility,” Braga said. “As public servants, we must protect the sanctity of our families and safeguard the future of our children. We must not allow our education system to become a platform for controversial ideologies that disregard the moral and spiritual foundations of our society.”
Braga highlighted that the bill incorporates Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) based on the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) technical guide. She described its provisions as "alarming" due to their potential implications.
Braga raised alarm over certain provisions in the bill, which she said go beyond the bounds of age-appropriate education. She cited examples, including teaching children as young as four about childhood masturbation, introducing six-year-olds to the concept of bodily pleasures, and advocating sexual rights for children as young as nine.
Braga also criticized the bill for diminishing parents’ authority in their children’s moral upbringing, noting that it does not provide legal recourse for parents regarding the implementation of CSE in schools.
Alternative measures
In a media interview, Braga suggested that sex education efforts focus on adolescents and teenagers, leaving parents to decide the appropriate age for their children to learn about such topics. She proposed alternative approaches, such as regulating media content, educating parents, and conducting information campaigns to address teenage pregnancy.
Braga further noted that many teachers in the country lack proper training to teach sex education, and rushing its implementation could cause more harm than good.
She underscored that parents should play an active role in educating their children on these matters, rather than relying solely on schools. She believes involving parents and the barangay can create a more comprehensive approach to spreading information about sex education.
Public appeal
Braga called on the 20th city council to reject SB 1979 and advocate for programs that empower the youth without compromising their innocence. The council subsequently passed a resolution expressing strong opposition to the bill and its CSE provisions.
She also urged faith-based communities, civic organizations, and concerned parents to unite in voicing their concerns.
SB 1979, authored by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Imee Marcos, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Sonny Angara, Christopher "Bong" Go, Cynthia Villar, and Raffy Tulfo, aims to recognize and strengthen the role of adolescents in the country’s development.
The bill seeks to promote sexual and reproductive health, legal equality, education, freedom of expression, and decision-making among adolescents. It also aims to address teenage pregnancy and improve young women’s socioeconomic and emotional well-being.
The proposed legislation has drawn mixed reactions. Senator Joel Villanueva described it as a “prelude” to abortion, while Senator Chiz Escudero opposed the bill but suggested amendments.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. strongly opposed it, deeming it inappropriate for younger children. RGP with reports from VoxPop Philippines
