Congress’ Kabataan Partylist representative Atty. Renee Co delivered a privilege speech on August 20 and called for action on the growing cases of early pregnancy among adolescents.

Atty. Co said unplanned pregnancy among adolescents does not reflect a decline in an individual’s morality but exposes a failure of the system.

Data from the Philippine Commission on Population (POPCOM) shows that around 500 adolescents give birth every day in the country. The Philippines also ranks among the highest in adolescent birth rates in ASEAN. However, many cases of pregnancy result from violence. More than half of adolescent pregnancies come from rape committed by fathers, uncles, or male relatives, and the number worsened during the pandemic.

“Instead of providing protection, the home itself—which must be a refuge where we feel safe—becomes a prison of abuse for many young girls,” Atty. Co explained.

“This cycle of poverty and dependency is not accidental—it is maintained by systems that favor big business who exploit vulnerable women and young mothers in need of jobs and services,” Co added.

“It’s about time we break these cycles of neglect and exploitation. Aside from tightening the implementation of laws related to violence against women and children, we must overhaul how the state responds to violence against women and children. We must expand youth access to reproductive health services, counseling, safe and democratic spaces, as well as clinics that do not shame them for seeking help,” Atty. Co said.

The speech took place concurrent with Kabataan’s filing of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill.