Jaehwa Bernardo

The Supreme Court building in Padre Faura, Manila on August 24, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Supreme Court: Judiciary to strengthen fight vs online child sexual abuse

Adrian Ayalin

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/174901052695020220824-supreme-court-facade-GC-9.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>The Supreme Court building in Padre Faura, Manila on August 24, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo vowed to strengthen the judiciary’s commitment to protect children against online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) and ensure that “every Filipino child grows up in a world where their safety, dignity, and potential are protected.” According to an SC release, Gesmundo made the promise at the SaferKidsPH event in Makati City on Tuesday.Gesmundo said the SC recently issued its Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Social Aspects of the Family Courts Act, which guides courts in handling child-related cases with sensitivity and efficiency.The court also published the Bench Book for Family Courts, which guides judges in making child-centered decisions.The SC also said the en banc recently approved the Rule on Family Mediation which promotes restorative justice and family unity and institutionalized the Victim-Sensitive Guidelines to shield victims, from further trauma and ensure early access to social services.“The Guidelines provides a more systematic access to social services by the victims as soon as their needs arise, even pre-litigation,” Gesmundo said.SaferKidsPH is an Australian Government initiative delivered through the consortium made up of the United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF, The Asia Foundation, and Save the Children Philippines.Gesmundo said SaferKidsPH is a “beacon of hope” in the campaign against OSAEC.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo vowed to strengthen the judiciary’s commitment to protect children against online sexual abuse and exploitation.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo vowed to strengthen the judiciary’s commitment to protect children against online sexual abuse and exploitation.