PROTECT THE CHILDREN | Anti-OSAEC Law a major win for children, say Hontiveros, Gabriela

August 3, 2022 , 03:06 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(August 3, 2022) – Lawmakers on Wednesday lauded the passage of a measure that seeks to provide stiffer penalties against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in a bid to address the exploitation of young individuals.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, an author and sponsor of the bill, said the law will help make social media platforms accountable for the content they post which can be accessed even by children.

“Napakasaya ko na sa wakas ay naisabatas na ang Anti-OSAEC Law,” said Hontiveros in a statement. “Mas dumami ang exploitative materials online lalo na nitong pandemic kaya’t kailangang ma-implement na agad ang batas. Urgent action is always needed when it comes to the protection of our children.”

With no action from President Bongbong Marcos Jr., the Anti-OSAEC Bill lapsed into law on July 30. It aims to punish anyone who pushes children to perform or participate in the production of sexually abusive content. Those who engage in selling and distributing the content could face punishment as well.

Violators could face a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine not less than P2 million. Those who benefited from such criminal acts could be jailed for around 12 years to 40 years and be fined around P1 million to P2 million.

A National Coordinating Center will be formed that will protect the victims of OSAEC and safeguard their psycho-social needs.

“Dahil sa bilis ng teknolohiya, mabilis din na nag-e-evolve ang paraan ng predators sa pambibiktima online,” said Hontiveros. “Layon nating mapalakas ang kapasidad ng mga ahensyang may responsibilidad sa mga kasong ito.”

Hontiveros, who heads the Senate panel on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, has actively campaigned for the passage of the measure. She recently reiterated the call after the surfacing of a YouTube channel promoting videos about exploiting minors.

Even the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) backed the passage of the bill, recognizing it as a significant factor that could help speed up investigations on online sexual exploitation.

“Ito ay napakagandang tool na magagamit ng law enforcement para sa pagsugpo nitong ganitong klase ng krimen,” said NBI Cybercrime Division chief Christopher Paz on July 27.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas also welcomed the passage of the law following years-long efforts made by advocacy groups. She stressed that this should be considered a huge win for the victims and advocates.

“The Anti-OSAEC Law will not only prevent people from committing these heinous crimes, but will also make internet platforms, service providers, and internet cafes accountable should they fail in making the digital space safe for children,” said Brosas.

Hontiveros stressed that a multi-sectoral approach is also necessary to fully combat the abusive acts targeting children.

“Nakakalula man kadalasan ang usapin ng OSAEC, nabibigyan naman ako ng pag-asa when I see the private sector, our law enforcement agencies, and civil society coming together for the best interest of every Filipino child,” said Hontiveros.

(PM)

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