What Needs to Be Done?
One of the first steps to strengthening protection for LGUs (local government units) is to submit an ordinance (a law specific to that particular local government), which when passed into law will prohibit acts of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), indicate their corresponding penalties, create a supportive environment for the survivors, and provide the funds needed.
A Nationwide Response
Legislators representing localities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have taken swift action to draft their ordinances against the Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children.
These legislators attended IJM Philippines’ seminars and workshops held last August and November, on Child Protective Strategies, based on the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Law and the Anti-OSAEC Law. These laws empower local governments to strengthen protection through ordinances.
Celebrating Completed Ordinances
Five ordinances have been signed into law and will take effect 15 days upon publication in the city newspaper.
Congratulations to the legislators who have completed their ordinances:
Councilor Jaycee Aguas
Angeles City, Pampanga
Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao
Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental
Provincial Board Member Karla Adajar
3rd District of Laguna
Councilor Redentor Halili
San Fernando, Pampanga
Councilor Cherry May G. Busa
Butuan City
As of August 2023:
Councilor Maria Isabel Pascual
Baliuag, Bulacan
Councilor Rosevi Queenie Belmonte
Iligan City
Councilor Lemuel Pogoy
Cordova
Cebu Councilor Sarah Lipumano-Garcia
Olongapo City
Vice Mayor Mike Galang
Floridablanca, Pampanga
Hon. Gina Maria Enage
Biliran
Councilor Carol Cunanan
Caloocan City
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera
Cebu City
Board Member Claudette Ambida
5th District of Batangas
Councilor Jacob Johnny L. Motoomull
Gingoong
Councilor Dionril R. Salvan
Bayugan, Agusan del Sur
How Do These Ordinances Protect Children?
Anti-OSAEC ordinances that are passed into law allow for the allocation of resources, personnel, infrastructure, and technology to be dedicated to preventing, as well as responding to, OSAEC cases in the community. The local government is also empowered to sustain and further build protections needed.
Protecting the Best Interests of the Child
It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes every sector of society to protect them. We celebrate local legislators for taking a critical step in fighting for the best interests of the child, and the growing wave of support among local governments around the Philippines.
We celebrate local legislators for taking a critical step in fighting for the best interests of the child. We are witnessing a growing wave of support among local governments around the Philippines.
The Philippines has come a long way in protecting children. While we are a hotspot for the crime of online sexual exploitation, as we continue to partner together, we are making unprecedented strides in child protection, and making justice for child survivors unstoppable.
