SENATOR Francis Tolentino filed a measure that seeks to impose stiffer penalties for the abuse, exploitation and discrimination of children.

Senate Bill 1397 seeks to amend Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

“The proper rearing of our youth is essential in ensuring that we are creating future generations of well-prepared citizens that will assume the task of being good leaders and custodians of the Philippine Republic,” Tolentino said in his explanatory note.

Under the measure, any person who shall hire, employ, use, persuade or coerce a child to perform in obscene exhibitions and indecent shows, whether live or in video; pose or model in obscene publications or pornographic materials or sell or distribute the said materials shall suffer a penalty of imprisonment from 14 years to 17 years.

This is higher than the original penalty of prision mayor in its medium period or six to 12 years imprisonment.

Also, if the child used as a performer, subject or seller/distributor is below 12 years of age, the penalty is 30 to 40 years of imprisonment.

Meanwhile, any ascendant, guardian, or person entrusted in any capacity with the care of a child who shall cause or allow such child to be employed to participate in an obscene play, scene, act, movie of show or in any other acts shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment from 17 years to 20 years.