By: Neil Arwin Mercado – Reporter / @NAMercadoINQINQUIRER.net / 11:03 PM January 25, 2022
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on second reading the bill strengthening policies on anti-trafficking in persons by including online abuses, such as pornography, as offenses.
Via voice voting, the lower chamber approved during Tuesday’s session House Bill No. 10658 which amends Republic Act No. 928 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
The measure seeks to modernize current laws by addressing trafficking activities committed in the advent of new technologies.
Under the measure, trafficking in persons is redefined to include online offenses; engagement in pornography, child sexual abuse and exploitation materials; and online sexual abuse.
The measure likewise seeks to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to be at par with the advancement of technology and allow them to utilize court-authorized wiretaps in investigating child trafficking and online sexual exploitation.
Moreover, the bill seeks the assistance of the private sector, which by the nature of their business activities, may come into contact with suspected trafficking situations.
Up Next
The measure also includes additional provisions for qualified trafficking when the persons trafficked are persons with disabilities, belongs to an indigenous community, when the crime is committed in times of crisis or emergency when the crime has resulted in pregnancy, or through the use of information and communications technology or using any computer system.
“Something has to be done to prevent exploitation of people for labor and sexual purposes,” Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, who chairs the House committee on the welfare of children, earlier said.
/MUF
Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1545159/house-oks-stronger-bill-vs-trafficking-online-offenses-now-included#ixzz7JDjpE1DV
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
