Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has reiterated the importance of respecting the role of the religious institutions and the family in shaping the values, health, and education of children.
“Bilang isang mambabatas, palagi kong binibigyan ng halaga ang paniniwala, relihiyon at kultura ng bawat Pilipino. Ito ay dapat irespeto sa bawat polisiya na isusulong. Hindi ako sang-ayon sa anumang panukala na makakasira sa halaga ng pamilya at salungat sa pananampalataya ng ating mga kababayan,” he stressed.
Go said that policies should take into consideration family values and common beliefs of Filipinos towards the greater good.
“Pagdating sa paghubog ng kabataan, bigyan dapat ng importansya ang papel ng pamilya. Huwag idikta kung ano ang ituturo sa mga bata,” Senator Go said, highlighting the need for parents to take an active role in guiding their children while preserving Filipino cultural and moral values.
The senator made these remarks as he addressed the inadvertent inclusion of his name in the Committee Report for Senate Bill No. 1979, which seeks to introduce comprehensive sexuality education. Go categorically stated that he neither authored the bill nor expressed any intention to co-author it.
“The Committee Report of the said bill was filed by the Senate Committee on Women and Children. Based on Senate records, my name was included because the Senate Committee on Health, which I chair, was assigned as a secondary committee due to the health-related aspects of the measure. My office has already coordinated with the Senate Secretary to clarify this matter,” he explained earlier, noting that the correction has been made.
The senator’s statement comes amid heated public discourse surrounding the bill, which has faced criticism over claims that it may promote controversial practices. While the bill’s proponents argue that it is necessary to provide young Filipinos with the knowledge to make informed decisions, detractors allege that it risks introducing content inappropriate for Filipino values and culture.
Go made it clear that his earlier inclusion in the Committee Report was procedural due to the secondary referral of the bill to the Senate Committee on Health, which he chairs. He stressed that this technicality should not be misconstrued as an endorsement or active participation in the bill’s development.
Moreover, concerned senators, including Go, have requested the withdrawal of their signatures from the Committee Report for Senate Bill No. 1979 in a letter to Senate President Francis Escudero. They emphasized the need for further dialogue with stakeholders to dispel possible misconceptions about the bill.
While acknowledging the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy, Go stressed the importance of reviewing further objectionable portions to ensure public concerns are equally addressed.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Senator Go underscored his support for efforts aimed at educating young people on relevant issues. However, he emphasized that such initiatives must align with the moral and cultural framework of the Philippines and uphold 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 is reflective of our culture and morals as God-fearing people,” Senator Go added, quoting the Constitution.
Go’s statement also highlights his broader advocacy for youth empowerment through education initiatives that respect Filipino cultural and religious values. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the youth are equipped to navigate societal challenges while adhering to the country’s moral compass.
