SENATOR Risa Hontiveros sponsored Senate Bill No. 1819, a proposed measure that addresses the evolving threats of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), including AI-generated content and digital sexual extortion.
“This bill responds to one of the most brutal crimes of our time,” said Hontiveros. “Sa bawat araw na dumadaan, may batang Pilipino na ginagawang produkto. Binibili, binebenta, at paulit-ulit na inaabuso, hindi sa madilim na eskinita, kundi sa loob ng mga online platforms na abot ang buong mundo.”
The bill updates the legal definition of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) to include synthetic images created using artificial intelligence or digital manipulation. It also formally defines sexual extortion as a punishable crime, separate from other types of abuse.
“Ang pananakot gamit ang pribadong larawan o video ng bata, ang paulit-ulit na pangingikil kapalit ng katahimikan, ay malinaw na krimen,” Hontiveros emphasized, adding that some syndicates allegedly operate from former POGO compounds and conduct such schemes.
The bill places greater responsibility on private sector actors in the digital ecosystem. Internet platforms will be required to actively detect, disrupt, and report CSAEM, while foreign providers must assign legal representatives in the Philippines. Payment platforms must enable traceability and data-sharing to disrupt financial flows.
“Money is the oxygen of this crime. Kung mapuputol natin ang daloy ng bayad, mapuputol natin ang negosyo,” Hontiveros explained.
It also proposes converting the existing offenders list into a full Philippine Child Sex Offenders Registry to assist not only in investigation and prosecution but also in prevention. The registry would serve as a clearance mechanism for individuals seeking employment in child-focused institutions.
Senator Pia Cayetano, co-sponsor and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, supported the bill, saying: “With this measure, we are affirming the dignity and safety of every Filipino child on-screen and off-screen.”
Hontiveros concluded by thanking Senate leaders for including the measure in the LEDAC priority agenda. “Kapag ang batas ay nahuhuli sa teknolohiya, ang talo ay ang bata,” she said.
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