Following President Marcos Jr.’s recognition of the government’s inadequate response to the widespread online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas has urged the implementation of prompt and tangible actions to tackle this pressing concern.
“Tears are not enough. We need concrete actions and adequate funding to protect our children from online sexual abuse and exploitation,” Rep. Arlene Brosas asserted. “A lot of things need to be done, including upgrading latest technology and other processes to ensure justice for the victims.”
Brosas pointed out that he Department of Justice’s Special Protection of Children, operating under Executive Order 53, Series of 2011, is allocated a mere P10.7 million in the 2025 National Expenditure Program, while the Office of the President is requesting P10.29 billion for confidential and intelligence expenses.
“We challenge President Marcos Jr. to relinquish his requested confidential and intelligence budget, in favor of significantly bolstering child protection initiatives,” Rep. Brosas said.
“Importante ngayon na mabigyan ng sapat na pondo ang mga programa para sa proteksyon ng mga bata at hindi yung mga kwestyonableng pondo na diretso sa bulsa ng iilan,” Rep. Brosas said.
With the initiation of plenary debates in Congress, the Gabriela Women’s Party has committed to amplifying the Filipino people’s demand for the elimination of confidential funds, advocating for their reallocation to vital social services. #
