PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced strong opposition on Monday, January 20, 2025, to certain provisions in Senate Bill 1979, or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023, describing them as inappropriate for younger children and labeling them as "woke absurdities."
The President’s remarks came during a media interview at the launch of the Tesla Center Philippines in Taguig Monday, where he expressed his dismay after reviewing the details of the proposed legislation over the weekend.
“Over the weekend, I finally read in detail Senate Bill 1979. And I was shocked,” Marcos said.
“I was appalled by some elements of that. All this 'woke' that they are trying to bring into our system… That every child has the right to try different sexualities. This is ridiculous. It is abhorrent. It is a travesty of what sexual and sex education should be to the children,” the President added.
The term "woke" is an adjective used to describe being aware and mindful of significant issues, particularly those related to race and social justice. It can also refer to someone who holds politically liberal views, often in a way perceived as extreme.
Despite his criticism of the bill’s provisions, the President reaffirmed his support for comprehensive sex education, emphasizing its importance in teaching youth about reproductive health, early pregnancy prevention, and the risks of sexually transmitted infections, such as Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
“Kailangan ituro lahat ‘yan para alam nung mga kabataan,” Marcos said.
(All of that needs to be taught so the youth will know.)
However, he drew a clear line against what he called “woke absurdities” included in the bill, which he said are unsuitable for younger individuals.
Marcos assured the public that he would veto the bill if it were passed in its current form, pledging to protect the interests of parents, teachers, and children.
“If this bill is passed in that form, I guarantee all parents, teachers, and children: I will immediately veto it,” he said.
The President further emphasized his perspective as a parent and grandparent, expressing his deep concern over the implications of the proposed policies.
Senate Bill 1979
According to Senate Bill 1979, the policy aims to "recognize, promote, and strengthen the role of adolescents and young people in the overall human and socio-economic development of the country not only in the future but also in the present."
The bill was authored by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Imee Marcos, Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Sonny Angara, Christopher "Bong" Go, Cynthia Villar, and Raffy Tulfo.
The policy seeks to promote and safeguard the human rights of all individuals, including adolescents, with a focus on their rights to sexual and reproductive health, legal equality, education, freedom of expression, participation in decision-making, and making responsible personal choices.
The bill also emphasizes educating adolescents to prevent early pregnancies and addressing their socioeconomic, health, and emotional needs, particularly young women. It also supports adolescent parents in continuing their education to enhance their potential and reduce risks of early marriage and repeated pregnancies.
If this becomes law, comprehensive social protection interventions are prioritized to lower mortality and morbidity rates, and it underscores the role of parents, teachers, and guardians in guiding adolescents on sexual and reproductive health, respecting their evolving capacities.
Mixed reactions
The bill drew mixed reactions in the Senate, with some planning to withdraw support for the bill.
Senator Joel Villanueva described the bill as a "prelude" to abortion, saying he is rejecting it because it is "not important."
Senator Chiz Escudero said he is not in favor of the bill in its entirety but has suggested several amendments to it.
Hontiveros earlier expressed shock and outrage over "fabricated" claims circulating online about the bill.
In response to a petition opposing the bill, she debunked the misinformation, emphasizing that the legislation does not promote inappropriate content for children and aims to support informed decisions for adolescents' well-being.
"We all want what’s best for our children, but outright lies, misinformation, disinformation, and promoting fear can lead to more harmful decisions about our teen’s lives. Nililito lang nila tayo,” Hontiveros said. (JGS/VoxPop Philippines)