Escudero wants amendments to Adolescent Pregnancy Bill

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Escudero, however, emphasized that the bill is still undergoing the legislative process and remains in the period of interpellation. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday expressed reservations on Senate Bill (SB) No. 1979, or the Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, currently undergoing deliberation in the chamber.

“As it was originally reported, no. At least not in its entirety. In fact, I have relayed to the author several proposed amendments to it,” Escudero told reporters when asked if he supports the bill.

Escudero, however, emphasized that the bill is still undergoing the legislative process and remains in the period of interpellation.

He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the bill’s provisions align with necessary safeguards and amendments before casting his vote.

“I will await the final version that will be put to a vote where, hopefully, most of my proposed amendments will be carried,” he said, without specifying his proposed amendments.

The Senate leader likewise refuted claims that former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno may have influenced his position.

“She did not. She just expressed concerns over it. When I spoke to her, she said that their group is against the bill per se,” Escudero said.

Authored by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, SB 1979 is being criticized by various groups, including “Project Dalisay” which Sereno represents.

The group particularly cited a provision from the bill that allegedly teaches “bodily pleasure” or “sexual rights” to young children.

Hontiveros refuted the claims, calling them “outrageous” and “outright lies.”