Senator Pia Cayetano has called on the Senate to investigate the rising number of cases of babies being sold on social media platforms following police reports of syndicates exploiting vulnerable families online.

“I am filing a Senate resolution to investigate not only the possible involvement of syndicates in these online baby-selling cases, but also the systemic gaps that allow this to happen, and to ensure that our law enforcement agencies, social workers, and regulatory bodies are equipped and coordinated in stopping this practice,” Cayetano stated.

Cayetano made the statement following the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) recent rescue of a one-month-old baby that was allegedly sold on Facebook by the infant’s guardian for P90,000.

The PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) carried out the entrapment operation in Pasay City last July 3. 

Authorities said they consider the incident one of the darkest and most disturbing money-making modus operandi on the internet.

The National Authority for Child Care (NACC), which joined the covert operation, also slammed the continued sale of babies despite the warning issued by the government.

“Babies are not commodities,” said Cayetano, a long-time advocate for the rights and welfare of women and children.

“These are heartbreaking reports that demand swift and coordinated action. The sale of children online is a gross violation of their rights and a crime under our laws,” she said. 

Cayetano also cited the need to fully enforce the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act—two landmark measures she authored that were eventually passed into law. 

The former considers the sale of babies and adoption in exchange for money as trafficking of persons, while the latter streamlines the adoption process to make it more accessible and affordable for Filipino families.

Cayetano said it is high-time to ensure there is stronger community education and digital monitoring efforts, in light of reports that even unborn babies are being offered for adoption in exchange for money.

“This issue is a painful reminder of the deep poverty and desperation that some families face, but that cannot justify the exploitation of our children. We must give mothers and families real alternatives, including accessible social services and a humane, efficient adoption system,” she added.

Furthermore, the lawmaker reaffirmed her support for the NACC in carrying out its mandate, including sufficient funding for personnel, programs, and public awareness efforts.

“Our children deserve to grow up in safe, loving homes, and not be traded in online marketplaces. I will continue fighting for laws and policies that protect every Filipino child from abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” she said.