Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas (Facebook)

Following President Marcos’ emotional acknowledgment of the government’s insufficient action in combating online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas set her sights on the reallocation of confidential funds to help address the alarming issue.

“We need concrete actions and adequate funding to protect our children from online sexual abuse and exploitation," Brosas said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 16.

"A lot of things need to be done, including upgrading latest technology and other processes to ensure justice for the victims,” she underscored.

In his speech at the National Summit Against OSAEC, a teary-eyed Marcos said the Philippines must do more to fight the rampant issue of sexual abuse on children.

"For us to allow this to happen in our country, it brings to me an overwhelming sense of shame because being in government, being in public service, we are not doing enough. We must do more," the President said.

Brosas, however, stressed that Marcos’ tears were “not enough”.

The Gabriela solon pointed out that the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC) under the Department of Justice (DOJ) was earmarked a mere P10.7 million under the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

She noted that this was in huge contrast to the allocation for the confidential and intelligence expenses of the Office of the President (OP), which stood at P10.29 billion.

"We challenge President Marcos Jr. to relinquish his requested confidential and intelligence budget, in favor of significantly bolstering child protection initiatives," said Brosas.

As established in Executive Order (EO) No. 35 signed by late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the CSPC oversees the special protection of children from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.

Brosas, an assistant minority leader, highlighted the importance of increasing the allocation of child protection programs instead of questionable funding that only goes to the “pockets of the few”.