Sex Education Bill Slammed Anew

A religious sect leader and lawmaker is joining calls to reconsider a bill that introduces comprehensive sex education in the Philippines, claiming that the bill "contradicts biblical principles" and "betrays the Constitutional policy" of the secular country.

- By DELON PORCALLA

House Bill 8910, approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives in September 2023, aims to address rising teen pregnancies. Its counterpart, Senate Bill 1979, is pending.

Cibac party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva, head of Jesus is Lord Church, has joined Rep. Rufus Rodriguez in calling for the withdrawal of HB 8910's approval.

"The bill contradicts biblical principle and Constitutional mandate of giving parents the natural and primary duty to rear their children," Villanueva said.

"HB 8910 also betrays the Constitutional policy of the state responsibility to promote and protect the physical, moral and spiritual well-being of the youth," he said.