Marcos forms office for child protection

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) amid the increasing online child sexual abuse and exploitation cases in the country.

The President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued Executive Order (EO) 67, creating the POCP, which will be under the Office of the President (OP).

"In view of the increasing OSAEC cases and other threats to the welfare of children in the Philippines, and consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which provides that the protection of children from physical and mental distress is a key strategy to achieve transformative social system, it is imperative to ensure a whole-of-nation approach in strengthening existing institutional and legal framework on child protection," the President said in his order.

The POCP is designated to monitor and harmonize government thrusts, policies and programs relative to the protection of children and the promotion of their welfare, with special focus on anti-online sexual abuse or exploitation of children, anti-child sexual abuse or exploitation materials and child trafficking matters.

It shall submit policy recommendations to the President and monitor the implementation of related directives, programs, and projects regarding the welfare and protection of children.

The POCP is also directed to coordinate and collaborate with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and other relevant government agencies and bodies, as well as civil society groups, for the formulation or updating of the National Plan of Action for Children.

It is also tasked to identify and recommend the prioritization of urgent government interventions for child protection.

The POCP is also mandated to promote and monitor the harmonization, integration and non-duplication of relevant government thrusts, policies and programs.

It will also represent the Philippines in relevant international fora and initiatives, as well as monitor the government's compliance with its duties and obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention and other similar international legal instruments.

The POCP shall be headed by a Presidential Adviser for Child Protection (PACP), who shall be under the control and supervision of the Special Assistant to the President (SAP).

It may also convene technical working groups for the effective implementation of EO 67.

Under EO 67, the POCP will be supported by a staff complement with necessary background or expertise in the field of child protection.