SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday called for a thorough review and possible suspension of the Department of Education’s implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education under Department Order 31.

Gatchalian cited inconsistencies between the reproductive health law and current CSE guidelines as a major concern, emphasizing the need to refocus efforts on addressing teenage pregnancies in a manner suited to the Philippine context.

The senator highlighted that the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health law of 2013 mandates reproductive health education for adolescents aged 10 to 19.

However, under DepEd’s DO 31, CSE is being implemented for all K-12 students, including kindergarteners.

He expressed alarm that concepts in international references, such as UNESCO’s International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education, are being incorporated, including topics on sex, sexuality, and the sexual life cycle for children as young as five.

“This is where advocacy groups are raising concerns. Kindergarten students being taught such concepts is unacceptable,” Gatchalian stated.

Gatchalian also pointed out that teenage pregnancies remain a critical issue, with 150,000 cases recorded in 2020 alone.

He noted that these pregnancies often lead to school dropouts, perpetuating the cycle of poverty in the country.

“We need to address teenage pregnancy. Adolescents, as mandated by the RH law, are the focus, and this must be where our resources and efforts go,” he stressed.

He also emphasized the role of parents, calling for the full implementation of the Parent Effectiveness Service Law to empower families in guiding their children.

The senator acknowledged the ongoing debate on Senate Bill 1979 or the Anti-Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

While the bill has sparked controversy due to its reference to international standards, Gatchalian clarified that it does not explicitly endorse concepts like self-pleasure.

He urged his colleagues to work on amending the bill to address advocacy groups’ concerns.

To resolve the issue, Gatchalian proposed three key actions: suspending and reviewing the current CSE framework under DO 31 to align it with the RH law, amending SB 1979 to ensure it reflects Philippine values and context, and intensifying efforts to combat teenage pregnancies through local government units and community-based programs.

He also emphasized the importance of empowering parents as primary educators on reproductive health and relationships.