
Family values, religious beliefs cited in considering Sex Education Bill
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go clarified his stance on the controversial Senate Bill No. 1979, or the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) bill, underscoring the importance of respecting the role of the religious institutions and the family in shaping the values, health, and education of children.
“Alam n’yo ‘yung nakalagay kasi doon (sa bill), ‘yung international standards… mahirap ‘yon, kung medyo hindi katanggap-tanggap sa kultura nating mga Pilipino,” Senator Go remarked.
He emphasized that the proposal may require further review and consultations with stakeholders to address misconceptions and contentious provisions. “Dapat po buksan muli, magkaroon ng hearing lahat ng stakeholders, tanungin, pag-usapan.”
The senator highlighted the deeply religious nature of the Filipino people, citing his own upbringing as an example. “Kilala po ang Pilipino na religious… Lalo na ako, nanay ko, relihiyoso. Nagba-biyahe po ‘yun ng tatlong oras para makapagdasal lang at umakyat ng bundok.”
Senator Go also stressed that education, particularly on sensitive matters like sexuality, should originate from the family rather than being imposed in schools, especially at a young age. “‘Yung itong pagtuturo ay hindi dapat diktahan. Dapat po manggagaling talaga ito sa bahay, sa pamilya… hindi lang sa eskwelahan… at sa murang edad, hindi handa ‘yung Pilipino.”
Clarifying his involvement with the CSE bill, Go stated unequivocally, “Hindi po ako sumang-ayon. Hindi po ako author ng bill na ‘yon, neither na mag-intent na maging author.”
He explained that his name was included in the committee report due to his role as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, which served as a secondary committee for the measure.
However, Senator Go emphasized that this procedural inclusion should not be mistaken for support.
“(This week), we decided, we wrote a letter to our Senate President that we are withdrawing our signature sa committee report,” he announced.
“Kung may substitute bill, ibabalik po ito… At I’m willing to participate kung sakaling magkakaroon ng pagdinig sa Senado muli,” he added.
Senator Go reiterated the importance of fairness and inclusivity in legislative decision-making, advocating for an open dialogue that considers all perspectives. “Sa lahat ng desisyon natin sa Senado, always majority. Gusto natin na meron pong pagkakataon ang lahat, mapakinggan natin ang both sides. Just to be fair to everybody.”
He expressed his concerns about the manner in which introducing comprehensive sexuality education can be done at an early age, arguing that such measures should not contradict the country’s religious and cultural principles. “Medyo kasalungat po ito sa paniniwala natin sa ating relihiyon… Sa murang edad ay ganoon ang ituturo sa kanila kaya hindi po ako sumang-ayon.”
The CSE bill has become a focal point of public debate, with critics voicing strong opposition from religious and cultural perspectives. Many have expressed concerns that certain aspects of the proposed curriculum may promote contraceptive use and introduce topics such as sexual diversity, which they claim conflict with traditional Filipino values and the teachings of religious institutions.
While proponents argue that the bill aims to address issues like adolescent pregnancy and provide young Filipinos with critical health knowledge, opponents worry that its implementation could undermine the role of families and parents in shaping children’s understanding of such sensitive matters.