SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution directing the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the issuance of a cease and desist order by the Department of Social Welfare and Development against Gentle Hands, Incorporated Orphanage.

The order resulted in the pulling out of GHI wards.

Senate Resolution No. 643 aims to review current policies on orphanages and child residential care facilities in the Philippines.

Hontiveros said that Republic Act 11642 requires the State to establish alternative care standards to ensure that the quality of life and living conditions are conducive to the child’s development.

The senator cited GHI’s statement that the actions of the DSWD traumatized the children, many of whom already suffer from the wounds of abandonment and abuse.

“While the safety and adequacy of living standards are important concerns, it is also important to determine whether or not the correct processes were followed in the removal of the children from a child care facility subject to a CDO, and whether or not these processes are informed by the best interests of the child doctrine,” the senator said.

She added that many of the children had specific needs, including some who require medical attention and psycho-social counseling.