PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concerns over provisions in the proposed sex education bill, calling it an attempt to introduce “woke” culture into Filipino education.
He warned that he would veto Senate Bill No. 1979, or the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, if passed in its current form.
The President criticized elements of the bill, stating that it includes inappropriate content such as teaching young children about masturbation and encouraging exploration of different sexual identities.
He emphasized that such topics are “abhorrent” and a “travesty” of proper sex education.
Marcos also voiced concerns that the bill would undermine the role of parents in guiding their children on issues of sexuality.
However, he acknowledged the importance of sex education, particularly in educating youth about reproductive anatomy and the consequences of early pregnancy.
But Senator Risa Hontiveros, the bill’s principal author, refuted Marcos’ claims, clarifying that terms like “masturbation” and “trying different sexualities” are not mentioned in the bill.
She assured that the legislation aims to educate children about anatomy and teenage pregnancy prevention. Hontiveros expressed willingness to accept amendments to refine the bill and address concerns.
She also dismissed claims from critics, emphasizing that the bill focuses on age-appropriate education without promoting controversial content.
