Returning senatorial bet Kiko Pangilinan urged the government to intensify efforts in preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation and ensuring the protection of children.

Pangilinan expressed his concern after the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded 18,089 cases of child abuse related to sexual exploitation and rape in 2024.

“May karapatan ang bawat bata na lumaki nang walang takot sa pang-aabuso (Every child has the right to grow without fear of abuse,” Pangilinan said, calling on the nation to work together in fighting for the safety and dignity of the youth.

The former senator underscored the urgent need for the government to implement stronger measures to protect children from abuse and ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are punished.

“Kailangan nating matiyak na protektado ang mga bata laban sa anumang pang-aabuso at tiyaking sapat ang suporta sa mga biktima, kasama na ang counseling, pangangalaga sa kanilang kalusugan, at tulong legal para sila’y makakuha ng hustisya (We need to ensure that the children are protected from abuse and ensure that there is enough support for the victims, including counseling, taking care of their health, and legal assistance to those seeking justice)," Pangilinan said.

The senatorial aspirant also encouraged the public to join the fight by reporting incidents of child sexual abuse in their communities to authorities.

During his tenure as senator, Pangilinan called out online media platforms for their failure to immediately take down cases of sexual abuse and exploitation.

"Part of prevention is immediate takedown because it prevents the spread and prevents the potentially billions who would have access to that information that is private to one individual," he said.