Child rights advocates on Tuesday called on Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel to reform the birth registration system and implement effective solutions for internally displaced families.
The Child Rights Network (CRN) urged Pimentel, chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, to address bills aimed at improving the birth registration system and providing protections to internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The group was referring to the Protection of Internally Displaced Persons and the Civil Registration Bill. Both bills have already passed the House of Representatives and the Senate and are now awaiting enactment into law.
According to CRN, Pimentel should not waste the opportunity to address the problem of the 3.7 million Filipinos who still do not have birth certificates, including more than one million children.
Without birth certificates, CRN pointed out, many will not be able to complete their education, receive health services, or find permanent and decent jobs.
"Another entire Congress will be wasted if these bills are not given proper attention. The Civil Registry Law is almost 100 years old and no longer meets the current needs of Filipinos," Nenita Dalde, advocacy manager of the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development.
"This is our opportunity to make the civil registration process more accessible and modern, which is why we call on Senator Pimentel to give it attention," Dalde stressed.
Dalde also emphasized that Pimentel's committee in the Senate must address the protection of IDPs, as children and women are the most vulnerable populations.
"This bill will provide a more permanent and orderly solution to the problem of IDPs. We can all be affected by disaster or war at any time," she continued.
"The government needs to be prepared, and this bill will provide sufficient support and funds to address the problem of internal displacement in the Philippines."