Philstar
‘Give President Marcos benefit of doubt on sex ed bill’
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin defended President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s characterization of a provision in the proposed Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023 as "ridiculous" and "abhorrent."
Bersamin stated that the President's interpretation might stem from reading "between the lines" and considering the "implications of language."
President Marcos' statement was reportedly based on his reading of the bill, where he expressed shock at certain details, specifically a provision he interpreted as potentially encouraging masturbation in very young children.
Executive Secretary Bersamin urged to give the President the benefit of the doubt regarding his comments on the bill.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the principal author of the bill, has denied claims that the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) provision contains inappropriate concepts and threatened societal values.
Hontiveros has filed a substitute bill to amend the criticized provision.
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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will review the substitute Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill after initially expressing intent to veto the original version.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated he would veto Senate Bill No. 1979, the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023, due to concerns about "woke" provisions.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a substitute bill to the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023, removing the provision on Comprehensive Sexual Education (CSE) guided by international standards.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023, signaling its likely failure unless amended.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a substitute bill to Senate Bill 1979, the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, following concerns raised by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and some groups.
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