THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is seeking amendments to the Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) law and the Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act to include AI-generated images and videos involving children.

DSWD Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, executive director of the Council for the Welfare of Children, said the proposed amendments are necessary due to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

He cited data showing a 1,325-percent increase in child abuse and exploitation cases linked to AI use in 2024.

“We are watching out for AI and iyong sinasabi nilang quantum technology na problematic din,” he said.

“Kailangan po nating i-amend iyong batas para kahit AI-generated pictures and videos na malalaswa ng mga bata ay maparusahan at ma-prosecute nang maayos,” he added.

Tapales also stressed the need for additional manpower and funding for the Philippine National Police’s Women and Children Protection Center and Anti-Cybercrime Group.

“Sa law enforcement po natin, they need our support at saka iyong pondo kung maaari pong dagdagan so that they can buy modern equipment to detect, deter, and disrupt online sexual abuse,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of continuous training for judges and court personnel handling OSAEC cases.

“Maganda ang ginagawa ng judiciary, pero iyong continuous training sa mga judges relating to the provisions of our anti-OSAEC law at saka iyong mga court staff din po, dapat gamay na gamay nila iyan para walang nadi-dismiss na kaso at naa-appreciate nang maayos iyong mga ebidensiya,” Tapales added.