CAGAYAN de Oro City Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has called for the recall of House Bill No. 8910, or the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act, describing it as deceptive and unconstitutional.

In his resolution, Rodriguez argued that the bill, approved by the House on September 5, 2023, violates provisions of the Constitution and the Family Code, including the prohibition against a bill addressing more than one subject matter.

“Many provisions of the bill aim to institutionalize Comprehensive Adolescent Sexuality Education (CASE), which is a separate subject from adolescent pregnancy. This violates Article IV, Section 26, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution,” Rodriguez explained.

The congressman noted that while the bill’s title focuses on preventing adolescent pregnancies, its content primarily deals with institutionalizing CASE, which he said could undermine parental authority, promote risky behaviors, and contradict constitutional and cultural values.

Rodriguez also highlighted provisions allowing minors to access reproductive health services without parental consent, which he described as clear violations of the Constitution and the Family Code.

“The bill ousts parents from their natural right and duty to rear their children, provide parental guidance, and make decisions regarding their welfare,” Rodriguez asserted.

He further argued that the measure violates constitutional provisions on the right of families to participate in the planning and implementation of policies affecting them, urging a recall of the bill for proper review.