Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
3 warnings issued to Gentle Hands before issuance of cease and desist order—Gatchalian
Philippines
National
3 warnings issued to Gentle Hands before issuance of cease and desist order—Gatchalian
3 warnings issued to Gentle Hands before issuance of cease and desist order—Gatchalian
Published May 29, 2023 03:15 pm
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Monday, May 29, that the agency issued three warnings to orphanage Gentle Hands, Inc. (GHI) before the issuance of a cease and desist order (CDO) due to alleged violations of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
"Children living under the care of Gentle Hands Inc\.\, are seen hugging social workers\, saying their tearful goodbyes after the Department of Social Welfare and Development \(DSWD\) issued a cease and desist order against the orphanage on Tuesday\, May 23\." \(Photo courtesy of Mark Balmores \| Manila Bulletin\)
In a television interview, the DSWD chief said that letters were sent to GHI in regard to the supposed violations that need to be addressed before they conduct a spot check and issue a CDO to which the latter failed to respond and comply. "First of all, it was not abrupt. As early as August, we were already telling them to correct, as early as August 2022. Then another letter in February 2023, right about when I took the helm, and then another one on March 14. Meaning there were numerous letters reminding them to correct these things," said Gatchalian. "Again, the principle we are invoking here is, they are saying we didn’t give due process, quite the contrary. Three warnings were given, Karen. I personally saw the imminent danger and as the parent of the nation, the Government has the power to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It is our responsibility," he added. On May 20, Gatchalian conducted a surprise inspection of the orphanage, and two days later, a CDO was issued.
"Children living under the care of Gentle Hands Inc\.\, are seen hugging social workers\, saying their tearful goodbyes after the Department of Social Welfare and Development \(DSWD\) issued a cease and desist order against the orphanage on Tuesday\, May 23\." \(Photo courtesy of Mark Balmores \| Manila Bulletin\)
In a television interview, the DSWD chief said that letters were sent to GHI in regard to the supposed violations that need to be addressed before they conduct a spot check and issue a CDO to which the latter failed to respond and comply. "First of all, it was not abrupt. As early as August, we were already telling them to correct, as early as August 2022. Then another letter in February 2023, right about when I took the helm, and then another one on March 14. Meaning there were numerous letters reminding them to correct these things," said Gatchalian. "Again, the principle we are invoking here is, they are saying we didn’t give due process, quite the contrary. Three warnings were given, Karen. I personally saw the imminent danger and as the parent of the nation, the Government has the power to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It is our responsibility," he added. On May 20, Gatchalian conducted a surprise inspection of the orphanage, and two days later, a CDO was issued.
READ:
[DSWD investigates QC orphanage for alleged violation of Anti-Child Abuse Law](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/23/dswd-investigates-qc-orphanage-for-alleged-violation-of-anti-child-abuse-law) Gatchalian also noted in the interview that despite the last warning issued on May 14, the "infractions" were still there when they visited and that the staff "were still pervasive." The children under the custody of GHI were transferred to Elsie Gaches Village in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Nayon ng Kabataan in Mandaluyong City and the Reception and Study Center for Children in Quezon City. To avoid similar incidents in the future, the DSWD secretary has instructed the DSWD Standards Bureau to conduct a rapid assessment of care facilities nationwide.