RIZAL 4th district Representative Fidel Nograles sought additional budget for measures and programs that combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Nograles said that the government’s measures and strategies to protect the youth must be well-funded.

“We have already come up with the law. Now we have to cough up the needed resources to ensure that we successfully implement the law and fully realize its intent,” Nograles said in a statement.

The lawmaker cited reports by the US State Department that online sexual abuse and exploitation remains a big threat to Filipino youth due to lack of funding for programs for their protection.

The report also noted the inadequate prosecutorial resources and capacity to analyze alleged abusers’ computers for evidence.

It said that despite the penalties and enforcement efforts, law enforcement agencies and Non-Government Organizations agreed that criminals and family members continued to use minors in the production of pornography and in cybersex activities.

Nograles explained that Republic Act 11930 or the OSAEC Law and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act are legislative department’s solution on the increase of sexual exploitation.

He also is concerned on the report of the Department of Justice-Cybercrime Division that there are 2.8 million cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation in 2021, higher than the 1.2 million cases in 2020 and 400,000 in 2019.

“Just like the report states, the threat is still present, and we have a long way to go to save our children from this sordid practice,” Nograles said.

“Magtulungan po sana tayo, pondohan po natin ang adhikain na ito para sa kapakanan ng ating kabataan,” he added.