VP Sara Duterte urges LGUs to boost child protection vs online abuse

Vice President Sara Duterte urged local government units (LGUs) to strengthen policies protecting children against online sexual abuse during the observance of National Children's Month.

She called on LGUs to address digital safety gaps, equip parents and guardians with tools for safe internet use, and reinforce family values.

Duterte emphasized the need for prompt and clear processes for reporting, response, and subsequent actions.

She also promoted the active participation of children in campaigns to ensure their voices are heard on issues concerning them, both online and offline.

A Commission on Human Rights report indicates that cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines have risen to approximately 2.7 million as of the end of 2023, a figure six times higher than in 2019.