THE RECENT approval of the Senate on second reading of a bill which intends to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children is most welcome.
This proposed measure is of utmost importance. It intends to address the horrible plight of children victimized by online sexual abuse and exploitation. It gives us a glimpse of hope for all the children and families trapped in the vicious cycle of the poverty-driven online sex trade.
One of the alarming impacts of the pandemic and the economic crisis is the rise in the number of cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Even before the pandemic hit the Philippines, the country has already been identified as the global source of child sexual abuse materials. Hence, the current situation has made our children from marginalized communities more vulnerable to this obnoxious and illicit trade where even their parents and closest relatives have become instruments in the commission of crime.
Evidently, we need a law that will not only define online sexual abuse and exploitation of children but will also strengthen law enforcement and give responsibilities to internet intermediaries in creating safer digital environment for children.
Once the bill become a law, the government must fully implement it and such effort must be combined with stronger preventive measures as well as rehabilitative programs to support the children victims and their families.
That the bill has come this close to becoming a law is due to the relentless campaign of child rights groups. But really, this proposed measure needs the support of the public. We are calling on the general public, especially the staunch advocates of children’s rights, to continue amplifying the call for an end to all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation of children.
We should step up our efforts in demanding the government to address the problems haunting the Filipino children during this time of pandemic.
