SEVERAL women legislators filed a House resolution Wednesday seeking a congressional inquiry into the proliferation of online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM), and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in the Philippines.
The initiative coincides with the observance of Women’s Month.
House Resolution 900 was principally authored by Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag, alongside Albay Rep. Krisel Lagman and San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora. Matibag chairs the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality.
Under the resolution, the House Committees on Women and Gender Equality; Information and Communications Technology; Welfare of Children; and Public Order and Safety are directed to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation. The probe aims to strengthen legal, institutional, and technological safeguards against digital sexual exploitation and abuse.
The lawmakers stressed the urgency of the probe, citing data from United Nations Women and the Economist Intelligence Unit showing that digital violence disproportionately affects women, with 38% reporting personal experience and 85% witnessing such abuse.
The measure was filed electronically during the lawmakers' participation in the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York. The resolution reflects insights from the international forum, which was also attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The filing was also informed by engagements with Philippine delegates at CSW70, including officials from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Justice, Commission on Human Rights, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and the Supreme Court.
Matibag emphasized that the resolution underscores the need for legislative action, even as Congress enters its recess.
"Even on the final session day before the congressional recess, and while attending international engagements, we continue to fulfill our legislative duties," Matibag said. "This initiative reflects our commitment to ensure that our laws keep pace with evolving digital threats against women and children."
She added that as technology evolves, so must safeguards, and called on Congress to ensure that legal and institutional responses remain coordinated and effective.
The lawmakers also noted that addressing online sexual exploitation requires strengthened coordination among government agencies, digital platforms, and civil society. The inquiry is part of ongoing efforts to modernize legal frameworks and protect women and children in digital spaces.
