ONE OF the negative consequences of the global health and economic crisis is the increasing vulnerability of Filipino children to sexual abuse and exploitation – both offline and online. It is extremely appalling that poverty and hunger drive many poor families to sell sexualized photos and videos of their children online. Alarmingly, the illicit trade is not just happening in the dark web but also in platforms that are very accessible to the public such as Facebook and Twitter.
Our senators, thus, must be commended for giving utmost importance to a measure that intends to address the horrible plight of children victimized by online sexual abuse and exploitation. It is really high time to take serious efforts in combating this by having a law that will not only deter people from committing such crime but will also make internet providers and platforms accountable should they fail in making the digital space safe for children.
The House of Representatives, too, must fast-track deliberation of a counterpart measure intended to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation. We cannot afford to lose more time in this fight especially that the root causes and circumstances leading the commission of the crime against children have become more prevalent. The measure gives a glimpse of hope for all the children and families trapped in the vicious cycle of the poverty-driven online sex trade.
But while it is highly important for the government to effectively enforce child protection laws and measures, it is also necessary to provide services in order to mitigate the risks and address the vulnerabilities of children and their families to sexual abuse and exploitation. At the same time, flaws in our criminal justice system must be resolved.
The Philippine government should fulfil its mandate in ensuring that there are enabling laws, mechanisms and programs that will effectively address the concerns of children.
