An alliance of child rights advocates commended the 18th Congress for passing several key children’s rights bills despite the abrupt adjustment demands in work due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Child Rights Network (CRN), on Thursday, June 2, extended its gratitude to the 18th Congress for passing seven key pieces of child rights legislation amid the pandemic. The statement came after the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, June 1, adjourned sine die its final session of the 18th Congress.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the 18th Congress for their unwavering support and active shepherding of child-focused bills that seek to expand the protection our laws provide for future generations,” said CRN convenor Romeo Dongeto in a press statement.
Dongeto said that the latest Senate Bill (SB) 2209 and House Bill (HB) 10703 or the proposed Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (EOC) and Anti Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act is “now up to the President’s approval,” marking the seventh key measure passed by the Congress.
Among other “key child-focused” measures passed by the 18th Congress include the Republic Act (RA) 11596 enacted in 2021 (The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act), RA 11642 enacted in 2022 (The Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act), and RA 11648 enacted in 2022 as well (Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape Act).
The list also include RA 11650 enacted in 2022 (Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act), RA 11767 (The Founding Recognition and Protection Act), as well as SB 2449 and HB 10658 also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Bill.
Dongeto, on the other hand, reiterated that the passage of these measures prove that children “remain at the heart of the law” in the country.
To the 19th Congress
As a new set of leaders are set to govern the country by the end of the month, CRN reminded the incoming legislators to “take the record of the 18th Congress” as an inspiration. The advocates likewise listed measures that they will be campaigning to the 19th Congress.
These pending measures include the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, Comprehensive and Responsive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill, Magna Carta of Children, Philippine Commission on Children Bill, and Bangsamoro Children’s Code.
“We are optimistic that the 19th Congress will be able to move past party lines and act as one and pass the key legislative measures we have identified,” added Dongeto.