Child protection office created in PH amid rise in online abuse cases
A child protection section under the Office of the President is being established in the Philippines amid an increase in the number of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) cases. On August 6, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) No. 67, creating the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) to “ensure a whole-of-nation approach in strengthening existing institutional and legal framework on child protection.” INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — A child protection section under the Office of the President has been set up as the country saw an increase in the number of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) cases.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) No. 67 on August 6, creating the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) to “ensure a whole-of-nation approach in strengthening existing institutional and legal framework on child protection.”
“In view of the increasing OSAEC cases and other threats to the welfare of children in the Philippines, and consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which provides that the protection of children from physical and mental distress is a key strategy to achieve transformative social system, it is imperative to ensure a whole-of-nation approach in strengthening existing institutional and legal framework on child protection,” states EO 67.
Under the order, the PCOP will be an attached office of the Office of the President and will be headed by a Presidential Adviser for Child Protection (PACP).
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EO 67 mandates the PCOP to monitor and harmonize government policies and programs involving the welfare and protection of children, anti-OSAEC, anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), and anti-child trafficking matters.
It also tasks the PCOP to:
- Submit policy recommendations to the President, as well as monitor the implementation of Presidential directives or priority programs and projects regarding the welfare and protection of children;
- Promote and monitor the harmonization, integration and non-duplication of relevant government thrusts, policies, and programs;
- Coordinate and collaborate with the Council for the Welfare of the Children (CWC) and other relevant government agencies and bodies, as well as civil society groups, towards the formulation or updating of the National Plan of Action for Children;
- Coordinate and collaborate with the IACAT (Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking) and National Coordination Center in the formulation and implementation of programs to combat OSAEC, CSAEM, and child-trafficking;
- Identify and recommend the prioritization of urgent government interventions for the protection of children;
- Subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations, represent the Philippines in relevant international fora and initiatives, and monitor the government’s compliance with its duties and obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child or the UNCRC, Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention and such other similar international legal instruments;
- As may be necessary, convene technical working groups for the effective implementation of this Order; and
- Perform such other duties and functions as the President and/or the Executive Secretary may direct.
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Meanwhile, the PACP’s role is to act as a member, representing the Office of the President, in the National Coordination Center, (IACAT), CWC, National Council against Child Labor, and Committee for the Special Protection of Children.
EO 67 further states that Marcos or Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin may designate the PACP as a member or an observer in other similar government agencies and bodies with functions related to child protection, as may be necessary and subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The funding for POCP will come from current and available appropriations of the Office of the President and other sources to be determined by the Department of Budget and Management, according to the order.
