SENATOR Loren Legarda filed Senate Resolution 300 urging the Senate to conduct an investigation into the so-called “Epstein files,” citing the need to protect Filipino children from exploitation and to ensure the Philippines is not used for alleged digital cover-up operations tied to trafficking and abuse.
“Our children must never be exposed to exploitation networks, whether here or abroad. The Epstein files reveal disturbing global operations, and we have a duty to ensure that the Philippines is not used as a platform for concealment or abuse,” Legarda said.
Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier convicted of sex offenses, was accused of running a global trafficking network.
He was arrested in 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and later died in custody while awaiting trial in New York.
Legarda said her resolution was prompted by documents described as “Epstein files,” which were publicly released by the U.S. Department of Justice and contain records such as depositions, testimonies, emails, and other communications related to Epstein’s operations.
The resolution cited details indicating that Epstein allegedly hired a Philippine-based team in 2010 to manipulate online search results and obscure online references to his criminal record.
The resolution called on government agencies to ensure Philippine institutions and digital platforms are not exploited to conceal or enable crimes, and cited the State policy on youth protection under Article II, Section 13 of the Constitution.
It also cited the Philippines’ obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Optional Protocol, and the ASEAN Declaration on the Prevention of Online Exploitation and Abuse of Children, as well as laws including Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act), Republic Act No. 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act), and Republic Act No. 9208 as amended by Republic Act Nos. 10364 and 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
“These laws are clear: trafficking, child pornography, and concealment of exploitation are crimes. If Filipino individuals or entities were involved in Epstein’s digital cover-up operations, we must investigate thoroughly and hold accountable those who undermine our protections,” Legarda said.
Under the resolution, the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Information and Communications Technology are directed to look into possible concealment and manipulation of facts. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography are tasked to assess regulation of internet intermediaries and reputation-management services, while the Department of Foreign Affairs is directed to engage U.S. and other jurisdictions to secure authenticated information.
The agencies were directed to submit a consolidated report to the Senate within 90 days, including verified findings on whether Filipino individuals or entities warrant further investigation, the nature of any identified involvement or exposure, possible liabilities under Philippine laws, and recommended legislative or regulatory measures.
“We must strengthen our safeguards to protect victims and to ensure that the Philippines is never exploited as a hub for concealment. This is about accountability, prevention, and compliance with our human rights obligations,” Legarda said.
The Senate, Legarda said, seeks to determine the extent of any involvement, identify policy gaps, and ensure the Philippines remains a safe and accountable digital environment.
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