bouncingball8 Hontiveros dispels ‘conspiracy theories’ on adolescent pregnancy bill

bouncingball8

Sen. Risa Hontiveros

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros again dispelled “conspiracy theories” surrounding the controversial Senate Bill No. 1979, or the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnant Act of 2023.

In a statement on Thursday, she assured Filipinos that all questions raised regarding the legislation would be clarified once debates regarding the bill are opened on the Senate’s floor.

Article continues after this advertisement

“All these speculations, scaremongering, and conspiracy theories will be dispelled and clarified when we open the debate on the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill in plenary,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Enrile questions INC ‘logic’ vs VP Sara Duterte impeach raps NEWSINFO NLEX warns of heavy traffic on Jan. 18-19 due to PH Arena concert NEWSINFO PNP says mall guard in viral video may lose license

“I am open to hearing all of my colleagues’ opinions and proposed amendments to the bill, in the same way that I have been open to all views on the measure. If there is anything that needs to be changed, we will discuss it at the right time and place — and that is none other than the Senate plenary,” she added.

In a separate statement also issued on Thursday, the opposition lawmaker made clear that the Comprehensive Sexuality Education mentioned in her bill would be guided by the Department of Education and international standards.

Article continues after this advertisement

She also emphasized that this does not mean that the Philippine government would just copy the guidelines published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Health Organization.

Article continues after this advertisement

“That means that it will only be used as a guide to help the welfare of the youth. There is no intention or obligation in the law to mindlessly imitate any international standard,” Hontiveros explained in Filipino.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Of course, if there are things stated there that do not fit the context and culture of the Philippines, of course they will not be used. That is common sense,” she added.

Earlier, Hontiveros refuted the “lies” surrounding the legislation.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The lies being spread on social media against this bill are shocking and infuriating. 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. They’re just confusing us,” she said in Filipino.

The opposition lawmaker’s remarks came after the National Coalition for the Family and the Constitution’s Project Dalisay made an online petition seeking to junk SBN 1979, claiming that the legislation poses a significant threat to the country’s societal, moral, and spiritual foundations.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The country’s balance of payments (BOP) position recorded a $3.5-billion surplus in September, a reversal from the $414-million deficit posted a year ago, the BSP said in a report.

Philippine trade undersecretary Allan Gepty, who is leading the negotiations happening in Dubai for the southeast Asian country, said they will hold talks until Wednesday to complete the remaining work for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

zodiaccasino

READ: Hontiveros refutes critics of prevention of adolescent pregnancy bill bouncingball8

READ NEXT Bulacan dams release water as reservoir levels hit critical mark DSWD eyes support for girl in altercation with guard in viral ... EDITORS' PICK Quezon City joins the world’s Resilient Cities Network Project ARTE leads the way in rehabilitating women PDLs Vatican AI laws: A Catholic approach to tech regulation Angel Locsin breaks social media hiatus after recovering X account 10 key moments in the Israel-Hamas war Magnitude 4.1 earthquake jolts Southern Leyte MOST READ Enrile questions INC ‘logic’ vs VP Sara Duterte impeach raps NLEX warns of heavy traffic on Jan. 18-19 due to PH Arena concert PNP says mall guard in viral video may lose license Weaker peso curbed remittances in November Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments