House OKs bill providing stiffer penalties vs. child abuse

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure imposing stiffer penalties for child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

With a vote of 228 in the affirmative and zero negative, the chamber approved House Bill 137, or the proposed "Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act."

The measure primarily aims to deter exploitation of child abuse by imposing stiffer penalties for the perpetrators and further promote the best interest of the child by strengthening their development and protection programs.

Under the measure, those who are involved in the production of obscene publications and indecent shows will now be slapped with a penalty of up to 17 years and four months in prison. If the child used as a performer, subject or seller/distributor is below 12 years old, the penalty would now be reclusion perpetua.

Meanwhile, if any ascendant or guardian causes the child to be employed or to participate in any obscene play, scene, act, movie, or show, he or she will be meted with a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

At the same time, anyone who is found involved in child labor practices will be penalized with a minimum of one year and one day to sixy years in prison with a fine of not less than P100,000 to P300,000. Those who employ or will facilitate the employment of a child in hazardous work will be made to pay a fine of not less than P200,000 but not more than P1 million or imprisonment of not less than 12 years and one day to 20 years, or both.

Those who involved in the discrimination of children of indigenous cultural communities likewise will be slapped with a penalty of two years, four months and one day to four years and two months in prison and a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000.

The offender will also have to undergo a re-education and re-orientation program on the Indigenous Peoples Culture of the Philippines.

The measure also mandates the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the act. — BM, GMA News