Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Agatha Gregorio

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz highlighted the need for preventive measures against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) during a meeting by the House Committee on Public Order and Safety on Tuesday. </p><p>Citing organizations present at the hearing, Lapuz said the country “cannot prosecute and arrest” itself out of the problem.</p><p>“Na-mention na rin po ng mga NGO partners and organizations present in this hearing that we cannot prosecute and arrest ourselves out of this problem. We need to invest in more preventive approaches and measures that are more sustainable that relates to all forms of OSAEC, CSAEM, not just AI-generated. But ‘yung medyo tinutukan po ngayon ‘yung trafficking typology of OSAEC, CSAEM. We’re not saying that it’s more serious kasi we also treat AI-generated CSAEM as very harmful because it creates a normalization of such materials,” Lapuz said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/technology/2026/2/10/uploading-your-photos-for-ai-generated-caricatures-advocates-advise-netizens-to-be-cautious-1552">Uploading your photos for AI-generated caricatures? Advocates advise netizens to be cautious<br/></a></div><p>No one has been prosecuted and convicted based on AI-generated CSAEM, according to the DOJ’s database as of December 2025.</p><p>Lapuz cited the challenge of underreporting in relation to this and other crimes.</p><p>“I think the PNP (Philippine National Police) po and the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) shares the same challenge not particularly in relation to AI-generated CSAEM, but in general po ‘yung underreporting. ‘Yun po talaga ang malaking challenge dito because the government can only intervene once there are reports made,” Lapuz said.</p><p>During the hearing, the International Justice Mission talked about a “safety by design framework,” which is a design for devices to fight online sexual exploitation.</p><p>According to a representative of the organization, they have a prototype of the device with a mechanism automatically blocking the capture of OSAEC, CSAEM images. </p><p>A motion for a technical working group to draft a consolidated measure on bills about online sexual exploitation was approved during the House panel meeting. </p><p>Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Representative Bella Suansing was designated as TWG chairperson.</p><p>Among priority common legislative agenda bills for passage by June 2026 based on a Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting are the amendments to the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/10/marcos-wants-congress-to-scrap-travel-tax-pass-anti-dynasty-bill-before-june-2026-1448">Marcos wants Congress to scrap travel tax, pass anti-dynasty bill before June 2026</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o6U3W6pCzss?si=QQelWDL5t5QmadgV" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz highlighted the need for preventive measures against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children.</p>

Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Secretary Michelle Anne Lapuz highlighted the need for preventive measures against online sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

DOJ official highlights need for preventive measures vs. online sexual abuse of children

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

DOJ official highlights need for preventive measures vs. online sexual abuse of children

Agatha Gregorio,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 10, 2026 05:45 PM PHT

Read More:

House of Representatives

sexual abuse

child abuse

OSAEC

CSAEM

online sexual abuse

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.