"It is the State's duty to protect Filipino children" — Bong Go calls for intensified children protection programs amid reported cases of children exploitation

Amid reported cases of child exploitation, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go on Wednesday reiterated the importance of developing stronger children protection programs, underscoring that it is the government's job to make certain that one of the most vulnerable sectors is protected at all times.

In a recent courtesy call, the United Nations special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children Mama Fatima Singhateh cited that the Philippines remains 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, adding that the country is leading in child exploitation cases.

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

For his part, Go has refiled a measure to amend Republic Act 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.

Anti-child abuse
Senate Bill 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.

As this developed, Go reissued his call for the government to prioritize the welfare of small farmers and agricultural workers, emphasizing the need to eliminate agricultural smuggling, which has adverse impacts on the livelihoods of Filipino farmers nationwide.