Solon moves to recall approval of controversial teen pregnancy bill

Metro Manila, Philippines – A resolution in the House of Representatives seeks to revoke the approval of a bill aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancies, four months after its passage, amid growing criticism of its counterpart measure in the Senate.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a resolution on Friday, Jan. 17, urging the House to return the proposed Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act to the committee level for further hearings. He emphasized the need to ensure the bill's compliance with the Constitution and family laws.

Rodriguez described the bill as deceptive, saying it goes beyond its stated focus on preventing adolescent pregnancies and protecting teenage parents.

“Many provisions of the bill aim to institutionalize Comprehensive Adolescent Sexuality Education (CASE), which is a different and separate subject matter from adolescent pregnancy. This is violative of Article IV, Section 26, Paragraph (1) of the Constitution,” Rodriguez said in a statement on Saturday, Jan. 18.

The lawmaker echoed concerns raised by various religious groups, arguing that the bill's proposed adoption of international standards could "hyper-sexualize children at a very early age," undermine parental authority, and promote risky behavior, among other issues.

The House passed the bill on third and final reading in September 2024. Meanwhile, the counterpart bill is facing challenges in the Senate after a viral video released this week by advocacy group Project Dalisay highlighted several concerns and called for the proposal to be scrapped entirely.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, stated that many of the concerns raised were unfounded. She clarified that international standards would serve only as a guide, with implementation remaining the responsibility of the Department of Education and other relevant agencies.

She urged the Senate leadership to schedule plenary deliberations to address the issues.