Senate probes DepEd's CSE amid debate on SB 1979

The Senate Committee on Basic Education has initiated an inquiry into the Department of Education's (DepEd) implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s criticism and amid debates over Senate Bill 1979, which aims to prevent adolescent pregnancies.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasizes that DepEd’s CSE curriculum should align with the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, noting Section 14 already mandates age-appropriate reproductive health education.

Critics argue Senate Bill 1979 promotes inappropriate sex education for minors, while supporters contend it provides essential information to prevent teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. supports Senate Bill No. 1209, which aims to protect children from harmful content and support adolescent parents.

President Marcos has criticized aspects of Senate Bill 1979 as 'woke absurdities', while Senator Imee Marcos clarifies that her version respects parental authority despite differences with SBN 1979.