Cases of adolescent pregnancy among girls below 15 are increasingly linked to statutory rape, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) told lawmakers during the first hearing on the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that more than 3,600 live births in 2024 involved mothers under 15 and fathers significantly older. Most cases involved fathers aged six to 10 years older than the mother, followed by those three to five years older and 11 to 20 years older.

The Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development said most pregnancies among girls in this age group are likely the result of statutory rape, while also flagging over 1,000 cases where the father’s age was not declared, raising concerns over unreported or concealed abuse.

The PLCPD and the Child Rights Network Philippines said the data underscores the need for preventive measures, noting that despite laws such as Republic Act 11648 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, abuse-linked pregnancies continue.

Lawmakers are now deliberating on the APP Bill, which seeks to strengthen child protection systems and provide comprehensive sexuality education, including lessons on consent and protection against gender-based violence.

“Laws that penalize abuse after it happens are not enough,” the PLCPD said, stressing that the measure focuses on prevention. “There should be no confusion: the APP Bill is a child protection measure.”