Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized that the controversial Senate Bill No. 1979, or the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) bill, may require further review and consultations with stakeholders to address misconceptions and contentious provisions.

In a media interview during his visit to Ilagan City, Isabela on Thursday, Go also stressed the importance of respecting the role of religious institutions and families in shaping the values, health, and education of children.

“You know what’s in the bill, it mentions international standards… that’s difficult, especially if it’s not acceptable to our Filipino culture,” Senator Go said in Filipino.

He further pointed out that the proposal might need a more thorough examination to ensure that all perspectives are considered. “We should open it up again, have hearings with all the stakeholders, ask questions, and discuss it,” Go added.

The senator also highlighted the deeply religious nature of the Filipino people, citing his own upbringing as an example. “Filipinos are known to be religious... Especially me, my mother is religious. She would travel for three hours just to pray and hike up a mountain.”

Senator Go also stressed that education on sensitive issues like sexuality should come from the family, not be imposed in schools, especially at a young age. “Teaching should not be dictated. It should come from the home, from the family... not just from school… and at a young age, Filipinos aren’t ready for it.”

Clarifying his involvement with the CSE bill, Go firmly stated, “I did not agree. I am not the author of that bill, nor did I intend to be the author.”

He explained that his name appeared in the committee report because of his role as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, which served as a secondary committee for the measure. However, Senator Go made it clear 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 from the committee report,” he announced.

“If there’s a substitute bill, it will be brought back… and I’m willing to participate if there will be a hearing in the Senate again,” he added.

Senator Go reiterated the importance of fairness and inclusivity in legislative decision-making, advocating for open dialogue that considers all perspectives. “In all our decisions in the Senate, it’s always the majority. We want everyone to have a chance to be heard, both sides. Just to be fair to everybody.”

He expressed concern about introducing comprehensive sexuality education at an early age, arguing that such measures should not contradict the country’s religious and cultural principles. “This somewhat contradicts our beliefs in our religion... Teaching this to children at such a young age is something I don’t agree with.”

The CSE bill has sparked public debate, with critics voicing strong opposition from religious and cultural perspectives. Many have raised concerns that certain aspects of the proposed curriculum, such as promoting contraceptive use and introducing topics like sexual diversity, 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 crucial health knowledge, opponents worry that its implementation could undermine the role of families and parents in shaping children’s understanding of such sensitive issues.

Amid the ongoing debate surrounding the bill, Go emphasized the importance of safeguarding Filipino values and ensuring that policies align with the nation’s moral and cultural framework. As a health reforms advocate and proponent of youth empowerment, Senator Go reaffirmed his commitment to addressing pressing issues like adolescent pregnancy while respecting the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

“We must, therefore, promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being in a balanced, holistic and conducive manner that reflects our culture and morals as God-fearing people,” he said in an earlier statement.