The Council of the Laity of the Philippines or Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (SLP), strongly condemned the Senate's proposed "Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act of 2023," which aims to strip parents of their right to be involved in their children’s adolescent lives.
According to SLP National President Xavier Padilla, the proposal is abhorrent and a blatant violation ofmorality and parental rights, urging the Senate to dismiss the bill entirely.
“We call on the Senate to dump the bill that is diabolical in nature as it aims to remove parents from any participation in their adolescents’ life,” Padilla emphasized.
Padilla also criticized the Department of Education (DepEd) for implementing DepEd Order No. 31, which introduces Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in public schools, allowing the teaching of explicit sexual materials.
He stressed that both the Senate and DepEd should serve as secondary guardians to protect the rights of families, which are considered the fundamental unit of society. Laiko Board of Trustee Atty. Proculo Sarmen supported the position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on the Laity in protecting families from any threats to their
unity.
“As a faith-driven community dedicated to safeguarding Christian values, we stand in solidarity with Laiko’s assertion that the Filipino family is the cornerstone of society, and parental rights must not be undermined by policies that seek to alienate parents from their vital role in guiding their children,” Sarmen said.
The proposed bill allows children as young as 10 years old, access to sexual materials without parental consent, a provision Sarmen finds deeply alarming. He warned that this measure could sever the sacred relationship between parents and children, which is rooted in trust, guidance, and moral formation.
“While the goal of addressing adolescent pregnancy is laudable, the means must not contradict the moral and cultural fabric of our nation,” Sarmen added.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2022 revealed that over 3,000 girls aged 15 and below gave birth, reflecting a 35% increase compared to 2021.
Sarmen also urged the DepEd to suspend the implementation of DepEd Order No. 31, emphasizing that it bypasses the family’s primary role in addressing sensitive issues.
“We echo Laiko’s call for the Senate to reconsider and reject this bill and urge our legislators, particularly the re-electionist senators mentioned, to heed the voice of their constituents. We also call on DepEd to pause the implementation of CSE and open an inclusive dialogue with families, educators, and faith-based organizations to ensure that any educational initiatives respect the values and rights of Filipino families,” he stated.
The bill is backed by Senators Christopher Go, Risa Hontiveros, Imee Marcos, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Sonny Angara, who currently serves as DepEd Secretary.
Meanwhile, the SLP praised "Project Dalisay," an online signature campaign opposing the bill and the implementation of CSE in schools.
Sarmen reiterated that true progress begins at home, emphasizing the need to protect and strengthen family bonds instead of undermining them.
“Strengthening family ties and fostering a culture of life and love must always remain at the heart of policymaking. Together, as a people of faith, we must continue to champion the sanctity of life, uphold the dignity of the family, and reject any measures that compromise these foundational truths,” Sarmen concluded.
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