FORMER Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has expressed his strong opposition to Senate Bill 1979, the proposed measure aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancies.

As a conservative lawmaker and a parent, Zubiri raised objections to provisions in the bill that promote teaching sexuality and sex education to children at a young age, which he believes could lead to unintended consequences.

“As a parent, I cannot agree with this. I would be angry with this type of teaching. It will push experimentation among our children,” Zubiri said, highlighting his concern that such education could encourage early sexual activities.

He cited trends in Europe, where, according to him, the average age for engaging in sexual activity is 12 years old, as a result of early exposure to sex education.

Zubiri specifically pointed to Section 6 of SB 1979, which he claims adopts United Nations and European Union standards on early sexuality education.

He cited examples such as teaching children aged 6 to 8 about condom use, sexual activities, and concepts like ‘utilizing our bodies’ and masturbation.

Zubiri warned that these teachings might lead to increased sexual experimentation among children, potentially exacerbating teenage pregnancy rates instead of reducing them.

“Instead of preventing adolescent pregnancies, it might result in more cases due to experimentation,” Zubiri said.

He emphasized that the global trend is shifting back to conservatism, and the Philippines, as a traditionally conservative country, should not adopt policies that go against its cultural values.

While Zubiri opposed the sex education component of the bill, he expressed support for providing healthcare for teenage mothers.

He underscored the importance of ensuring access to medical care for pregnant teens, without legalizing abortion.

“I support providing medical care for boys and girls who get pregnant, but abortion should not be an option. Other countries allow it, but I will firmly stand against it,” he said.

Zubiri also criticized the inclusion of teaching sexual orientation in the bill, questioning its relevance to addressing adolescent pregnancy.

He called for thorough debates on the proposed measure, which is currently at the interpellation stage in the Senate.

“I will stand on the floor to question and scrutinize this bill,” Zubiri vowed, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the country’s conservative values while addressing teenage pregnancy in a balanced manner.