Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC), highlighting judicial reforms and partnerships aimed at creating a safer digital and legal environment for Filipino children.

The Chief Justice stressed the Supreme Court’s active role in combating OSAEC through its collaboration with SaferKidsPH, an initiative of the Australian Government implemented by a consortium of the United Nations Children’s Fund, The Asia Foundation and Save the Children Philippines.

Describing SaferKidsPH as a “beacon of hope” in the campaign against OSAEC, Gesmundo urged continued action to ensure that “every Filipino child grows up in a world where their safety, dignity and potential are protected.”

He added that the Supreme Court “will continue to hold the door open to a better tomorrow for every Filipino child.”

The SC remains steadfast in its commitment to this cause, collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure every child is protected from harm, both online and offline.

Gesmundo also highlighted the SC’s efforts to strengthen the judicial framework for child protection which includes issuing the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Social Aspects of the Family Courts Act, which guides courts in handling child-related cases with sensitivity and efficiency.

It also published the Bench Book for Family Courts, a comprehensive resource designed to help judges make child-centered decisions.

The Supreme Court en banc recently approved the Rule on Family Mediation, which promotes restorative justice and family unity.

It also institutionalized, through the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, the Victim-Sensitive Guidelines to shield victims, especially children, from further trauma and ensure early access to social services.

“The Guidelines provide a more systematic access to social services by the victims as soon as their needs arise, even pre-litigation,” Gesmundo said.