Photo credit: Bong Go

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has spoken up to clarify his stance on the controversial Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) bill, firmly stating that he neither filed nor expressed any intent to co-author it.

“I want to make it clear—I never filed nor intended to co-author this bill,” he said. The senator emphasized his commitment to upholding Filipino family values, religious beliefs, and parental rights when it comes to children’s education.
“Ang papel ng pamilya ang dapat bigyang halaga sa pagpapalaki ng kabataan,” Go stressed, highlighting that parents, not the government, should have the primary say in shaping their children’s values.

The issue arose when Go’s name was included in the Committee Report for Senate Bill No. 1979 due to procedural reasons. As the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, his committee was assigned as a secondary referral to address health-related aspects of the bill. However, Go clarified, “This was purely technical and should not be taken as my endorsement of the bill.”

Protecting Family Values and Cultural Beliefs

Senator Go pointed out that any policy impacting children must respect Filipino culture, religious beliefs, and the pivotal role of families. “Bilang isang mambabatas, palaging nasa puso ko ang respeto sa ating paniniwala, relihiyon, at kultura. Hindi dapat isakripisyo ang halaga ng pamilya,” he said.

The CSE bill has sparked public debate, with critics raising concerns about its alignment with Filipino values. While proponents argue it could help address issues like teenage pregnancy, detractors fear it may introduce content inappropriate for the country’s cultural and moral framework.

Ensuring Transparency and Stakeholder Dialogue

To address concerns, Go and other senators have requested the withdrawal of their signatures from the Committee Report. They also urged for broader consultations with stakeholders to ensure public misconceptions are addressed.

Go expressed support for youth education initiatives that align with the Constitution and promote holistic development. Quoting the Constitution, he said, “We must ‘promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being’ in a way that reflects our values as a God-fearing people.”

Advocacy for Youth Empowerment

While committed to addressing issues like adolescent pregnancy, Senator Go underscored the importance of balancing health education with cultural sensitivity. “We need solutions that empower our youth while respecting their families’ role in their education,” he said.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go reaffirmed his dedication to programs that equip young Filipinos with the tools to succeed while staying true to their moral and cultural heritage.