Sen. Bong Go reiterated the importance of developing stronger children protection programs amid reported cases of children exploitation in the country.

Go underscored that it is the government's job to make certain that Filipino children, considered one of the most vulnerable sectors who cannot defend themselves, are protected at all times.

"Unahin natin ang mga mahihirap, mga hopeless at helpless, mga walang laban tulad ng mga kabataan. Proteksyunan natin ang kanilang kapakanan," Go appealed.

In a recent courtesy call, the United Nations (UN) special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children Mama Fatima Singhateh cited that the Philippines remains to be a primary source of child trafficking, sale, sexual abuse, and forced marriage and labor, among others.

Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla then expressed his concern over the alarming increase in Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), adding that the country is leading in child exploitation cases.

Meanwhile, during an ambush interview after the relief activity he personally spearheaded in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday, December 12, Go likewise echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's appeal to have stronger government interventions against child exploitation and violence.

"Nakakabahala at nakakalungkot po kung mga kabataan pa po ang nagiging biktima dito. It is the State's duty, like the parent of the nation, to protect its citizen, especially those who are not able to protect themselves, such as children who are vulnerable po and helpless," stressed Go.

For his part, Go has refiled a measure to amend Republic Act No. 7610 or the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act" in a bid to enhance the country's protective measures for children.

Senate Bill No. 1188 seeks to amend Section 5 (b) of the Anti-Child Abuse Law regarding the penalty for persons engaging in lascivious conduct or sexual activity with minors under 12 years of age.

"I am willing to support such measure basta maproteksyunan ang ating mga kabataan. Ayaw nating maabuso ang mga kabataan, mga kabataan ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan. Dapat natin silang proteksyunan," Go reiterated.