Stricter child abuse measures pushed

Title Strengthening Laws Against Online Child Abuse Senator Gatchalia
Gatchalian Calls for Stricter Measures

The Philippines has been ranked 15th worldwide in responding to child sexua
sexual violence, according to the 2026 Out of the Shadows Index. This ranki
ranking highlights the need for stricter enforcement of laws against online
online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian rene
renewed calls for tighter measures to combat this issue, emphasizing the im
importance of sustaining aggressive efforts against online child exploitati
exploitation.

The Philippines' ranking in the global index serves as a wake-up call for t
the government and civil society organizations to do more in preventing and
and responding to sexual violence against children and adolescents. The cou
country's fifth-place finish in the East Asia and Pacific region is also a 
cause for concern, indicating that there is still much work to be done to a
address this issue.

Senator Gatchalian emphasized the need to ensure that laws are strictly enf
enforced to prevent online child exploitation. He highlighted key legislati
legislation aimed at strengthening the country's legal framework against ch
child exploitation, including the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation 
of Children Act (RA 11930) and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act
Act of 2022 (RA 11862).

RA 11930 institutionalized stronger safeguards against online child abuse a
and exploitation, while RA 11862 expanded the definition of trafficking off
offenses and imposed stiffer penalties on perpetrators involved in child tr
trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

To support enforcement efforts, the 2026 national budget has earmarked sign
significant funds for anti-trafficking operations and initiatives. The Nati
National Coordination Center against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of
of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials has also recei
received additional funding to help combat this issue.

The Out of the Shadows Index measured country performance across four major
major pillars governance and accountability, prevention, healing and suppo
support services, and justice systems. Advocates have long warned that the 
Philippines remains vulnerable to online child exploitation due to widespre
widespread internet access, high social media usage, poverty, and the incre
increasing sophistication of cybercrime networks.

In conclusion, Senator Gatchalian's call for stricter measures against onli
online child abuse is timely and necessary. The Philippines must continue t
to strengthen its legal framework and enforcement efforts to protect childr
children from this form of exploitation.

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Senator Gatchalian's call for stricter measures against online child abuse.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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