DAVAO CITY - Child Rights Network (CRN), the largest alliance of child rights advocates and child-focused organizations in the country, lauded lawmakers for passing seven key children’s rights bills the past three years.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the
members of the 18th Congress for their unwavering support and active
shepherding of child-focused bills that seek to expand the protection our laws
provide for future generations. The passage of seven key legislative measures despite
Congress adjusting to Covid-19 restrictions is testament to how our legislators
can harmoniously work together for our children’s future,” said CRN Convenor
Romeo Dongeto.
The latest development only came recently with
both houses of Congress ratifying the bicameral conference committee report on
Senate Bill (SB) 2209 and House Bill (HB) 10703 or the proposed Anti-Online
Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti Child Sexual Abuse or
Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
The bill, which is now up for the president’s
approval, is the seventh key measure passed by the 18th Congress. The other
measures include:
· The Prohibition of
Child Marriage Act (Republic Act 11596, enacted in 2021).
· The Domestic
Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act (Republic Act 11642,
enacted in 2022).
· Increasing the Age for
Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape Act (Republic Act 11648, enacted
in 2022).
· Instituting a Policy of
Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive
Education Act (RA 11650, enacted in 2022).
· The Foundling Recognition
and Protection Act (RA 11767).
· Expanded Anti-Trafficking
Bill (SB 2449 and HB 10658, ratified by both houses of Congress, enrolled copy
sent to Malacañang on May 24, 2022).
“These key measures take into account the
widening danger that the advancement of technology poses on children’s rights,
including the dangers posed by the Internet. Several new laws also enhance the
protection of children against rape, abuse, trafficking, and discrimination.
All these measures were thoroughly discussed by both chambers of Congress in
consultation with child rights experts, advocates, and children themselves. The
passage of these measures not only serve as an accolade to our Legislature, but
also proves that in the Philippines, children remain at the heart of the law,”
Dongeto said.
“As the 18th Congress comes to a close, and a
new set of leaders are set to take the helm, we take this opportunity to remind
our legislators of the challenges that remain as regards child-focused
legislation,” he added.
One such hurdle, Dongeto said, includes the
reintroduction of the Positive and Non-Violent Discipline Bill (SB 1477 and HB
8239), a bill that seeks to protect children from all forms of physical and
mental violence by prohibiting beating, kicking, slapping, or lashing on any
part of a child's body, with or without the use of an instrument such as broom,
cane, whip, or belt.
While Congress was able to ratify the law,
President Rodrigo Duterte decided to veto it in 2019.
“We would continue to push for this legislation,
as it is our fervent hope that Filipino children will one day value discipline
not out of fear, but of love and respect,” Dongeto said.
He said CRN also listed several other pending
measures that child rights advocates are set to campaign in the 19th Congress,
including:
· Prevention of Adolescent
Pregnancy Bill - The bill seeks to provide a national policy to prevent
adolescent pregnancies, and institutionalize protection for adolescent parents.
· Comprehensive and
Responsive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill - The bill seeks to
provide a comprehensive and responsive civil registration and vital statistics
system.
· Magna Carta of Children -
The bill is envisioned to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child into domestic legislation, and in effect become a comprehensive
legislative measure that will not only encourage the protection of children
from threats and harm, but more importantly ensure positive support for the
development of the child’s personality, talents, and mental and physical
abilities to their fullest potential.
· Philippine Commission on
Children Bill - The bill replaces the Council for the Welfare of Children with
the Philippine Commission on Children, which seeks to establish linkages with
government and non-government agencies, and the Local Councils for the
Protection of Children (LCPC).
· Bangsamoro Children's Code
“The 19th Congress will be filled with long-time
children’s rights champions, as well as fresh faces who we will actively engage
and challenge to become champions themselves. We are optimistic that the 19th
Congress will be able to move past party lines and act as one and pass the key
legislative measures we have identified. Child rights advocates throughout the
country are ready to engage with our incoming legislators. Together, let us
take the record of the 18th Congress as aspiration. Together, we can achieve
more for the Filipino children,” Dongeto said. (Mindanao Examiner)
