MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, September 21, pressed fellow lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the proposed “Sagip Bata” Act, a measure designed to bolster enforcement mechanisms under the country’s existing law against online sexual abuse and exploitation.
The appeal comes following a recent shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, marking the third such incident in schools since June.
The proposed legislation aims to equip law enforcement agencies with specialized tools to combat nihilistic violent extremism (NVE).
”Huwag po natin payagan na masabotahe ang pagpasa ng batas na ito. We cannnot afford to delay any longer,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
”Habang hindi ito napapasa, napipilayan ang ating mga law enforcers sa pagpigil sa pagkalat ng NVE sa bansa,” she added.
If passed into law, the measure will empower investigators to request subscriber and traffic data for NVE-related cases, enhance international law enforcement cooperation, and expand capabilities for covert online intelligence gathering.
”Huwag nating hayaang pakalat-kalat lang ang mga groomers online nang walang takot. Ipakita natin na mahuhuli sila at mananagot sa kasamaang dinudulot nila sa ating mga anak,” the senator urged.
”These groomers have to pay the price,” she emphasized.
Beyond law enforcement provisions, the bill introduces age-assurance and verification protocols along with stricter compliance guidelines for technology platforms. It further requires online services to assign a local representative in the Philippines authorized to handle subpoenas, account data requests, and content takedown orders.
Highlighting its status as a priority measure under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), Hontiveros expressed hope for immediate enactment following Senate approval.
”Government should not let the interests of anyone get in the way of this bill’s passage,” she stated.
”We have a responsibility to protect our youth, and we should not delay any longer,” she reiterated.