Talisay City OKs ordinance vs online child sexual abuse

An ordinance prohibiting online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and the production, access, or distribution of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM), and imposing penalties on violators, has been approved in Talisay City.

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Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. recently signed the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Ordinance authored by Councilor Rodylle Hyacinth Cabigas. The measure provides for jail terms, escalating fines, mandatory seminars, and sanctions against individuals, establishments, and government employees found in violation.

Cabigas, chair of the Committee on Family, Women, Children, LGBTQ+ and Gender Development, said several cases of online child exploitation have already been documented in the city, highlighting the urgency of the ordinance and the need for strict enforcement.

Under the ordinance, individuals will be fined P3,000 and required to attend a mandatory seminar for a first offense, P4,000 plus a seminar for a second offense, and P5,000 and up to six months of imprisonment for a third offense.

Private establishments that violate the ordinance will face permit suspension for first and second offenses, and revocation for third and subsequent violations. Government employees found violating the measure will be subject to administrative proceedings.