SENATOR Pia Cayetano called for a stronger digital shield to protect children from online sexual abuse and exploitation as she co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1819, or the Expanded Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (Anti-OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (Anti-CSAEM) Act.

Cayetano underscored the urgent need to strengthen legal safeguards for minors navigating the digital space.

“Many children today grow up with phones before they can even write their names, which opens doors for both learning and potential exploitation,” she said.

The senator warned that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes, online gaming platforms, and rapidly evolving social media sites have increased the risks children face online.

Cayetano recalled that during the 14th Congress, she filed Senate Bill No. 3267, which was later enacted into Republic Act No. 9995, or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009.

The law aims to protect victims’ privacy and dignity against the unauthorized sharing of intimate images and videos.

She said the proposed Expanded Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act builds on this earlier legislation by imposing clearer and stricter responsibilities on internet intermediaries.

Under the measure, online platforms would be required to designate legal representatives in the Philippines, preserve relevant data for investigations, promptly block or remove abusive content, and implement technical safeguards such as artificial intelligence tools and hash-matching systems to detect and prevent the spread of exploitative materials.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, Cayetano emphasized that the bill aligns with the country’s commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16, which seeks to end violence against children, as well as SDG 5 and SDG 3, which promote gender equality and protect health and well-being.

She stressed that effective implementation of the measure would require close coordination among government agencies, technology companies, and civil society groups.

“With this measure, we are affirming the dignity and safety of every Filipino child on-screen and off-screen. We are sending a clear message that our children’s protection is non-negotiable,” Cayetano said.