Philippine President Criticizes Proposed Mandatory Sex Education Bill

January 20, 2025 - 18:14

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos expressed strong opposition on Monday to a proposed law aimed at making sex education mandatory in schools across the predominantly Catholic nation. He argued that the legislation could lead to inappropriate teachings, claiming it would instruct four-year-olds on self-pleasure.

Currently, sex education is part of the public school curriculum for students aged 10 to 19, following the enactment of a reproductive health law in 2012. However, private schools, a significant number of which are operated by the Catholic Church, are not obligated to include sex education in their programs.

Marcos's remarks reflect the ongoing tension between progressive educational reforms and traditional values in the Philippines. The debate highlights the challenges of addressing sexual health and education in a society that holds deeply rooted conservative beliefs. As discussions continue, the future of the proposed law remains uncertain amid the contrasting views on education and morality.