SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian renewed calls Thursday for tighter enforcement of laws against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
The senator issued the statement after the Philippines ranked 15th worldwide in responding to child sexual violence, according to the 2026 Out of the Shadows Index.
The global index, which evaluated 60 countries on their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence against children and adolescents, also placed the Philippines fifth in the East Asia and Pacific region.
"Criminals continue to exploit the internet to abuse and profit from our youth. We must ensure that our laws are strictly enforced," Gatchalian said in Filipino.
He emphasized the need to sustain aggressive measures against online child exploitation, citing the growing use of digital platforms by traffickers and abusers to target minors.
Gatchalian highlighted key legislation aimed at strengthening the country’s legal framework against child exploitation, including the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act or Republic Act (RA) 11930 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 or RA 11862.
RA 11930 institutionalized stronger safeguards against online child abuse and exploitation, including tighter monitoring of digital financial transactions linked to illegal activities and stronger coordination among government agencies and internet service providers.
Meanwhile, RA 11862 expanded the definition of trafficking offenses and imposed stiffer penalties on perpetrators involved in child trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
To support enforcement efforts, the 2026 national budget earmarked 119.2 million pesos for anti-trafficking operations and enforcement initiatives. An additional 111.6 million pesos was allocated for the National Coordination Center against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials.
The Out of the Shadows Index measured country performance across four major pillars: governance and accountability, prevention, healing and support services, and justice systems.
Advocates have long warned that the Philippines remains vulnerable to online child exploitation due to widespread internet access, high social media usage, poverty, and the increasing sophistication of cybercrime networks. JAVIER JOE ISMAEL
