SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian reiterated the need for a stronger crackdown on online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), noting that the Philippines ranked 15th globally in responding to child sexual violence.

Based on the 2026 Out of the Shadows Index, which measures how 60 countries prevent and respond to sexual violence against children and adolescents, the Philippines also placed fifth in East Asia and the Pacific.

“Patuloy na sinasamantala ng mga kriminal ang internet upang abusuhin at pagkakitaan ang ating mga kabataan. Dapat nating tiyaking mahigpit na naipatutupad ang ating mga batas,” Gatchalian said.

The senator cited key measures such as Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act, and Republic Act No. 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, which strengthened the country’s legal framework against child trafficking and other forms of sexual violence involving minors.

Under the 2026 national budget, P119.2 million was allocated for anti-trafficking enforcement, while P111.6 million was earmarked for the National Coordination Center against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials.

The new global benchmark evaluated countries across four pillars: governance and accountability, prevention, healing, and justice.