VP Sara urges LGUs to strengthen policies vs. online child sexual abuse

Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday urged local government units (LGUs) to strengthen the policies protecting children against online sexual abuse, as the country observes National Children’s Month.

In a statement, Duterte called on LGUs to address digital safety gaps, equip parents and guardians with tools to guide safe internet use, and reinforce family values to protect the youth.

“Kailangang mabilis at malinaw ang proseso ng reporting, response, at mga susunod na importanteng hakbang,” Duterte said.

(The process of reporting, response, and other steps should be prompt and clear.)

“Itaguyod din natin ang aktibong paglahok ng mga bata sa ating kampanya upang matiyak na napakikinggan ang kanilang mga saloobin sa mga usaping may kinalaman sa kanila, online man o offline,” she added.

(Let us also promote the active participation of children in our campaign to ensure that their voices are heard on issues that concern them, whether online or offline.)

According to a Commission on Human Rights report, cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines have risen to around 2.7 million.

The CHR Child Rights Center 2025 report showed that the number as of the end of 2023 is six times higher compared to 2019. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News