SENATOR Nancy Binay is calling for a Senate investigation into reports that rape and acts of lasciviousness were the most common offenses committed against Filipino children in 2023.

Through Senate Resolution 1237, Binay urged the appropriate Senate committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, to examine these alarming reports. She emphasized the need to strengthen existing child protection laws, introduce additional measures, and enhance support systems to prevent child abuse and exploitation.

“There is a need to assess and determine the effectiveness of current government programs and policies aimed at preventing child abuse, prosecuting offenders, and providing support services for child victims,” Binay stated.

During a Senate committee hearing on the Department of Justice’s 2025 budget, Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that over 500,000 victims of incestuous rape and online sexual abuse or exploitation of children had been recorded in the Philippines.

Binay also cited a recent incident involving the arrest of a mother who forced her daughters to perform live shows online.

“These alarming statistics point to possible gaps in the implementation of existing laws, such as RA 7610 and RA 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse of Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, among others,” Binay said in her resolution.