SENATE PANEL TACKLES BILLS TO STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION
/ 24 January 2026
THE SENATE Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality resumed its discussion on measures aimed at strengthening the protection of children from abuse both online and in physical spaces.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the committee, led the hearing, which tackled two proposed pieces of legislation: Senate Bill No. 1588, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 11930 to further strengthen the country’s legal framework against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, and Senate Bill No. 559, also known as Sandy’s Bill, which aims to protect children in the context of tourism and travel.
Hontiveros said the discussions were anchored on a single unifying concern—child protection—stressing that the State has the same responsibility to safeguard children regardless of where the harm occurs.
“This hearing is framed around a single, unifying concern: child protection. Whether the harm arises online through sexual abuse and exploitation, or in physical spaces linked to tourism and travel, the responsibility of the State remains the same. We have a single obligation—to ensure that our children are safe,” the senator said.
Senate Bill No. 1588 seeks to address emerging threats in digital spaces by enhancing safeguards and accountability mechanisms to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Meanwhile, Sandy’s Bill focuses on risks faced by children in tourism and travel settings, aiming to strengthen preventive measures and protection mechanisms beyond the home.
Hontiveros encouraged resource persons and stakeholders to speak candidly during the hearing, saying their insights would help lawmakers craft legislation that is effective, realistic, and sustainable in protecting children.
The hearing forms part of the Senate’s continuing efforts to update and strengthen child protection laws amid evolving risks faced by Filipino children, according to the Public Relations and Information Bureau.
