The current pandemic has exposed an increase in the number of cases involving online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). The Department of Justice noted a 264.6 percent increase in OSAEC cases from May to March 2020 alone. With this alarming figure, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds the Senate for approving on second reading Senate Bill No. 2209 or the proposed Special Protections against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) Law.
The proposed anti-OSAEC Act strengthens our law enforcers’s capacity in pursuing perpetrators and lays down additional duties to media platforms and internet service providers to block and remove child sexual abuse or exploitation material within 24 hours from receipt of notice.
The bill’s progress is a step towards achieving better protection of our children, especially as technology equally presents threats to them even at home.
Trafficking and online exploitation of children constitute grave violations of children’s rights. As such, CHR strongly denounces the exploitation and abuse of children.
Similarly, on this day, 25 May, CHR also joins the international community in commemorating the adoption of two (2) Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly. The 1st Optional Protocol improves the protection of children in contexts of armed conflict—from recruitment and use in hostilities; while the 2nd Optional Protocol emphasizes protection of children from sale, prostitution, and pornography.
Approving Senate Bill No. 2209 on second reading moves the country closer to fulfilling part of its obligation in protection children, particularly to the 2nd Optional Protocol.
Today, we are reminded of our steadfast commitment for protection of the most vulnerable members of our society. Our call is for everyone to press on and not shrink from our duties in providing protection for children against exploitation.
A holistic approach to combatting child abuse requires both the government and members of society working together to raise awareness and public vigilance to stop the proliferation of child pornography and abuse. ###