SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPU BLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
of l.!C /.• 
,-|.;rp
'17 
AUG-2 P5:39
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1543
RECEIVlU 3’/.
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN 
IN SITUATIONS OF ARMED CONFLICT AND PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines' future belongs to the Filipino diildren. Sadly 
though, in our country's pursuit of genuine peace and development, 
the present remains marred by continued civil and political unrest. 
As we shape tlie future for the Filipino children and their families, 
armed conflict, clan wars, militarization, rebellion, religious 
extremism and terrorism disrupt and threaten families and 
communities tlaat are expected to nurture our children to adulthood. 
Children become hapless and vulnerable victims who suffer the 
ravages of these continued conflicts, molded in an environment of 
anguish, despair, hate and violence.
A report by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) 
and the Mindanao Protection Cluster stated that, "in 2015, a total of 
407,397 persons were forced to flee their homes, of which around 37,000 
persons were repeatedly displaced mostly because of armed conflict, clan 
war, ami generalized form of violence including human rights violations. 
These conflict-related displacements recorded an increase of 127% 
cotnpared to 2014.1 In Mindanao alone in 2016, more than 283,000 were 
forcibly displaced to protracted conflict, clan wars and natural disasters.2"
h t t p s : / / w w w . h u m a n it a r ia n r e s p o n s e .in fo /s v s te m / file s /d o c u m e n ts /file s /2 0 1 5  m in d a n a o  d is p la c e m e n t d a s h b o a rd  a n n u a l r e  
p o r t  Ir . p d f
2 h t t p s : / / d o n a t e . u n h c r . p h /
1 1 P a g e


The rebellion staged by ISlS-affiliated Maute group has 
aggravated the number of families and communities affected by 
armed conflict. Marawi City is now ravaged to the ground as a 
result of armed clashes and aerial bombings in an attempt by 
government forces to quash various DAESH-inspired terrorist 
groups. To date, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of 
Humanitarian Affairs estimates the number of internally displaced 
persons (IDPs) in Marawi at 351,168 with about 333,779 living with 
friends and relatives and 17,389 staying in evacuation camps. Often, 
the majority of IDPs are children below 18 years of age.
The war against terrorism is not likely to end soon and will 
not be contained within the boundaries of Marawi City alone or in 
Mindanao. As such, the rise in the number of children affected by 
armed conflict is foreseen to reach an unprecedented high by the 
end of the year and, perhaps in the years to come, if no appropriate 
interventions are put in place.
Furthermore, after almost 50 years of insurgency and failed 
Peace Talks attempts, there seems to be no letting up on the 
incessant clashes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 
and the New People's Army of the Communist Party of the 
Philippines (CPP-NPA). Rural areas, and now even urban areas, 
remain battlegrounds for communist insurgents, secessionists, and 
religious fundamentalists, pursuing their political agenda or simply 
sowing chaos and terror in once peaceful communities.
Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) are usually 
left traumatized and wanting of basic needs especially for those who 
are living in evacuation camps. Some are maimed, physically 
impaired or handicapped, tortured, separated from their families or 
left orphaned. They suffer the pain of having witnessed the deatli of 
a loved one, the destruction of their homes, schools and places of 
play and recreation. A few become actively involved as combatants, 
couriers, or resort to petty crimes while others fall victims to 
prostitution and human trafficking. CSAC lose their homes and 
loved ones, their schooling disrupted, and normalcy in their lives is 
replaced by fears of an uncertain future. Psychosocial trauma and 
the physical and mental torture of violence are unbearable for
2 I P a g e


children to suffer. Armed conflict robs children of their childhood, 
weakens their spirit and dampens tlaeir dreams and aspirations.
This law is an attempt to shield children from the ravages of 
war and save those who will not be able to escape its wrath. This 
measure prohibits tlie voluntaiy and compulsor}^ recruitment and 
involvement of persons below 18 years of age in armed conflict. It 
proposes to prohibit and penalize the commission of grave child 
rights violation in armed conflict situation including killing of 
children, subjecting them to torture and other inlmman and 
degrading treatment or punishment, rape or abduction of children, 
other acts constituting gender-based violence against children, use 
of children as hostages or human shield, denial of humanitarian 
access and/or assistance to children, recruitment and involvement 
of children in armed conflict, and attack of schools, hospitals, places 
of worship, evacuation centers, settlements and other public places 
where there are children.
A comprehensive treatment of children involved and situated 
in armed conflict is ensured, including tlieir rescue and 
demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration, so that they may 
grow to become healthy, capable and responsible adult members of 
our society, despite their displacement and violent experiences. 
Government forces, as well as other non-state armed groups shall be 
liable for the violation of any provisions of this proposed law.
Our children are our greatest resource, the bearers of our 
future, our 'salinlalii'. It is our obligation to shield tliem from the 
long term negative impact of war. It is the State's obligation to 
ensure their protection from all forms of abuse, deprivation, danger 
and exploitation. We must tl'ierefore, exert all efforts and resources 
to uphold children's rights and pursue their best interest to survival, 
protection, development and participation, at all times and at all 
cost.
Approval of this bill is earnestly requested.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
3 I P a g e


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF TFIE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
)
'l \.r C
r ...
• 1
•>7 AUG-2 P539
SENATE
SENATE BILL NO. 1543
sv-
Introduced by Senator JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN 
IN SITUATIONS OF ARMED CONFLICT AND PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assctnhied:
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the 
"Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act 
of 2017."
SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy - It shall be the policy 
of the State to provide special protection to Children in Situation of 
Armed Conflict (CSAC) from all forms of abuse, violence, neglect, 
cruelty, discrimination and other conditions prejudicial to their 
development, taking into consideration their gender, cultural, 
ethnic, and religious background. For this purpose, the state shall;
a. Fully implement the protection guaranteed under the 
Convention on the Rights of the Child, its Optional Protocol 
on the involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (CIAC) and 
all other core human rights treaties, particularly, the 
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the 
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane and
1 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Degrading 
Treatment; 
other 
pertinent 
international 
instruments such as but not limited to the ILO Convention 
No. 182 concerning the prohibition and immediate action for 
the elimination of the worst forms of child labor; the Geneva 
Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols ratified by 
the Philippines; the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, 
Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines 
and on their Destruction, and take into account the Paris 
Principles on the Principles and Guidelines on Children 
Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups, the United 
Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, the 
United Nations Security Council Resolutions related to CAAC 
and other pertinent international instruments in the 
implementation of its treaty obligations and of this Act;
b. Respect the human rights of children at all times. It shall be 
recognized that children are entitled to dignity and respect as 
human beings in need of protection from hunger, medical 
neglect, degradation, humiliation, maltreatment, exploitation 
and assault;
c. Take all feasible measures to prevent the recruitment and use 
of ClAC and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the 
effective implementation and enforcement of the provisions of 
this Act;
d. Take all the necessary measures to address the root causes of 
armed conflict that result in involving, affecting or displacing 
children, which include poverty, lack or absence of quality 
basic psycho-social services, belief in the ideologies of an 
armed group, secessionist advocacy, affiliation of family 
members in armed groups, pursuit of alternative justice for 
atrocities, abuses and injustices experienced, and persistence 
of armed conflicts;
e. Continue to recognize its primary role in providing effective 
protection and relief to all CSAC;
f. Continue to fulfill its responsibilities to end impunity and to 
prosecute those responsible especially for grave child rights 
violations in armed conflict; and
2 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
g. Ensure the right to participation of children in all its policies, 
actions, decisions concerning CAAC.
SECTION 3. Scope of Application - This Act shall apply to all 
children involved in, affected by or displaced by armed conflict. The 
application of this Act shall not affect the legal status of any party to 
an armed conflict.
SECTION 4. Interpretation of this Act - Notliing in this Act 
shall be construed as precluding provisions in existing Philippine 
laws, international human rights laws and related instruments, and 
international humanitarian law that are more conducive to the 
realization of the rights of children.
SECTION 5. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act
(a) 
"Abduction 
of children" 
refers 
to 
tire 
seizure, 
apprehension, taking in custody, detention or capture of 
one or more cliildren either temporarily or permanently by 
force, threat of force or coercion, or deception for the 
purpose of any form of exploitation of such children in the 
situation of armed conflict.
(b) "Armed conflict" refers to armed confrontations occurring 
between governmental armed forces and one or more 
armed groups, or between such groups arising in the 
Philippine territory. These shall include activities which 
may lead to armed confrontation or armed violence that 
put children's lives at risk and their rights violated.
(c) "Armed group" refers to an armed non-state actor or non­
state entities engaged in armed conflict against the state or 
engaged in armed violence or terrorism;
(d) "Attacks on schools, hospitals, places of worship, 
evacuation centers and public places where children are 
usually found" refers to the occupation, shelling, targeting 
for propaganda of schools, hospitals or places of worship; 
causing damage to such places, or harm or injury to their 
personnel; or causing the total or partial physical 
destruction of such facilities; or disruption of educational 
activities and health services. It also refers to attacks of
3 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
such places, which have been temporarily abandoned by 
the community as a result of armed conflict, unless these 
places have been declared a "no man's land".
(e) "Child protection" refers to the measures, structures and 
activities that ensure the prevention and response to abuse, 
neglect, exploitation and violence affecting children. It 
shall include the promotion of their development and 
psychosocial well-being;
(f) "Child" refers to persons below eighteen (18) years of age 
or those over but are unable to fully take care of 
themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, 
cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical 
or mental disability or condition.
(g) "Children In Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC)" refers 
to all Children Involved In Armed Conflict (CIAQ, 
Children Affected By Armed Conflict (CAAQ, and 
Internally Displaced Children (IDC).
(h) "Children Involved in Armed Conflict (CIAC)" refers to 
children who are either forcibly, compulsorily recruited or 
who voluntarily joined in any governmental armed forces 
or any armed group in any capacity to participate directly 
in armed hostilities as combatants or as fighters, or take 
support roles such as but not limited to scouting, spying, 
sabotaging, acting as decoys, assisting in check-points, 
being couriers, messengers, porters, cooks and being used 
for sexual purposes.
(i) "Children Affected by Armed Conflict (CAAC)" refers to 
all children population experiencing or have experienced 
armed conflict.
(j) "Demobilization of children" refers to the process of 
formal and controlled disarmament of children and their 
release from an armed force or armed group. It shall 
likewise refer to the informal ways in which children leave 
the governmental armed forces or armed group. It entails a 
disassociation from the armed force or armed group and 
the beginning of transition to mainstream society. 
Demobilization of children can take place during the
4 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
situation of armed conflict; it is not dependent on the 
temporary or permanent cessation of hostilities; it is not 
dependent on children having weapons to forfeit.
(k) "Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)" refers to unexploded 
ordnance and abandoned explosive ordnance. Explosive 
Orihiance refers to munitions that contain explosives, 
nuclear fission or fusion material, biological and chemical 
agents. This includes bombs and warheads, guided and 
ballistic missiles, artillery, mortar, small arms ammunition, 
mines, torpedoes, depth charges, demolition stores, 
pyrotechnics, cluster munitions and dispensers, cartridges 
and propelled actuated devices, electric explosive devices 
and similar items that are explosive in nature. Unexploded 
Ordnance refers to explosive ordnance, which has been 
primed, fuzzed, armed or otherwise prepared for use or 
used. It could have been fired, dropped, launched, 
projected 
yet 
remains 
unexploded 
either 
through 
malfunction or design or for any other cause.
(l) "Food blockade" refers to armed conflict tactic of forcibly 
cutting off entry of food supplies in a particular area where 
children can be found.
(m) "Governmental armed forces" refers to the Armed Forces 
of the Philippines (AFP) including the paramilitary forces, 
the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law 
enforcement agencies.
(n) "Grave child rights violation" refers to tlie crimes 
committed against children that constitute flagrant 
violations of their human rights and have severe 
consequences in their lives. These crimes include those 
enumerated in Section 8 of this Act, such as but not limited 
to, killing or maiming of children, recruitment or use of 
CIAC, rape and other forms of sexual violence against 
children, abduction of children, torture of children, attacks 
against schools or hospitals, denial of humanitarian access 
to children.
(o) "Hamleting" refers to an armed conflict strategy tliat 
isolates a community of importance to the enemy which is 
inhabited by children including relocating said community
5 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
away from crucial zones. This strategy could be used to 
control the activities of the people in said areas.
(p) "Hospitals or health facilities" refers to any structure 
recognized and known by the community as a facility 
where the sick and wounded arc provided with medical 
and or health care services.
(q) "Humanitarian access" refers to tlie right of vulnerable 
populations to receive international protection and 
assistance from an impartial humanitarian relief operation 
to complement efforts of national authorities. Such action is 
subject to the consent of the State or parties concerned and 
does not prescribe coercive measures in the event of 
refusal, however unwarranted.
(r) "Humanitarian assistance" refers to aid that seeks to save 
lives and alleviate suffering of a crisis-affected population. 
Humanitarian assistance must be provided in accordance 
with the basic humanitarian principles of humanity, 
impartiality, independence and neutrality. Assistance may 
be divided into three categories - direct assistance, indirect 
assistance and 
infrastructure support, 
which have 
diminishing degrees of contact with the affected 
population.
(s) "Internally Displaced Children (IDC)" refers to children 
or group of children, whether separated or together with 
their families, who have been forced or obliged to flee or to 
leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in 
particular, as a result of or in order to avoid tlie effect of 
armed conflict and situations of generalized violence.
(t) "Improvised Explosive Device (lED)" refers to a device 
that is homemade or fabricated, constructed and deployed 
in ways other than conventional military action; containing 
or having contents from indigenous materials or 
substances that are destructive, lethal, noxious, pyrotechnic 
or incendiary chemicals, and designed to destroy, kill, 
incapacitate, harass or distract. lEDs are diverse in design, 
such as but not limited to, packages or landmine or road­
side bombs, and contain many types of initiators, 
detonators, penetrators, and explosive loads. These include
6 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
shrapnel-generating objects such as, but not limited to 
nails, ball-bearings, small-pieces of iron or steel bars, and 
alike that may be used individually or in combination. 
These are triggered by various methods such as by remote 
control or command detonation.
(u) "Killing of children" refers to acts of all kinds in the 
context of armed conflict that result in the death of one or 
more children. Among otliers, tliey include the death of 
children as a result of direct targeting and indirect actions, 
such as cross-fire, use of land mines, cluster munitions, 
ERW, all forms and types of lED; or house demolitions, 
search and arrest campaigns, suicide attacks and torture; 
they also include murder, homicide and such other similar 
crimes as defined in the Revised Penal Code and other 
special laws, as amended.
(v) "Maiming of children" refers to acts of all kinds in the 
context of armed conflict that result in serious or 
permanent or disabling injury, scarring or defacing, or 
mutilation to one or more children. It shall cover 
intentional maiming of cliildren where they are directly 
targeted, and causal maiming of children which results 
from indirect actions, such as cross-fire, use of landmines, 
cluster munitions, ERW, all forms and types of lED; or in 
the context of house demolitions, search and arrest 
campaigns, suicide attacks and torture.
(w) "Other acts of gender based violence" refers to physical, 
sexual violence other than rape, and psychosocial harm 
that is committed against a person as a result of power 
inequities that are based on gender roles. These include, 
among 
others, 
sexual 
slavery, 
prostitution, 
forced 
marriage, forced pregnancy, or forced sterilization.
(x) "Rape" refers to the crime of rape as defined under Article 
266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic 
Act No. 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law.
(y) "Recruitment" refers to compulsory, forced and voluntary 
conscription 
or 
enlistment 
of 
children 
into 
the 
governmental armed force and forced or voluntary 
membersliip into the armed group.
7 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
(z) "School" refers to any structure that is recognized and 
known by the community as a learning space and marked 
by visible boundaries.
(aa) "Zone of Peace" refers to a site with sacred, religious, 
historic, 
educational, 
cultural, 
geographical 
or 
environmental importance protected and preserved by its 
own 
community 
and 
officially 
recognized 
by 
a 
governmental authority. It is not merely a "Demilitarized 
Zone", but a sanctuary that operates within ethical 
principles of non-violence, free from weapons, acts of 
violence, injustice and environmental degradation.
CHAPTER 2
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT
SECTION 6. Rights of Children in Situations of Armed 
Conflict (CSAC). - Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAQ 
shall have tlie following rights:
(a) the right of special respect and protection against any form 
of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violation, especially in 
the context of armed conflict;
(b) 
the right of all children involved in, affected by or 
displaced by armed conflict to be treated as victims. They 
shall be treated in accordance with this Act, and other 
applicable laws, consistent with the State obligation under 
international law, within the framework of restorative 
justice, social rehabilitation and promotion of their 
protection;
(c) the right to be considered as object of special respect and to 
be protected from any form of direct or indiscriminate 
attacks and acts of violence especially protection from the 
grave child rights violations as enumerated in Section 8 of 
this Act;
(d) 
the right to be protected from recruitment into the 
governmental armed forces or armed groups and from
8 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
participation in armed conflict. This shall include the right 
to be protected from torture or any cruel, inhuman or 
degrading practices that compel compliance or punish 
non-compliance with recruitment or participation in armed 
conflict;
(e) 
the right to be immediately provided and have safe 
access to essential, adequate and culturally appropriate 
food and nutrition; basic shelter and housing; culturally 
appropriate clotliing; water, sanitation, and hygiene; basic 
health services including essential drugs, medicines and 
vaccines, health professional evaluation and appropriate 
intervention; education, including religious and moral 
education; Early Childhood Care and Development 
(ECCD) programs, psychosocial support and social 
services. All services provided for children must be child 
and gender semitive or responsive;
(f) the right to enjoy their freedom of thought, conscience, 
religion or belief, opinion and expression; to associate 
freely and participate equally in legitimate community 
affairs; to communicate in a language they understand 
even in situations of armed conflict and whether or not 
they have been internally displaced or are living in 
evacuation centers or settlements;
(g) 
the right of the wounded and sick children to be cared 
for and provided with aid or assistance or medical services, 
whether because of their age or for any other reason;
(h) the right of all cliildren to be treated humanely in all 
circumstances, without any adverse distinction founded on 
race, color, religion or faith, gender, birth or wealth, or any 
other similar criteria;
(i) the right not to be interned in or confined in camp, 
especially IDC and their families;
(j) the right of IDC, unaccompanied minors, expectant 
mothers, children with disabilities, the wounded and the 
sick cliildren to protection and assistance required by tlieir 
condition, and to treatment which takes into account their 
special needs, such as but not limited to their health needs.
9 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
reproductive health care as well as appropriate counseling, 
prevention of contagious and infectious diseases, including 
HIV /  AIDS, and access to psychosocial services;
(k) 
the right of children to be with their families, especially 
with their mothers, during evacuations and in evacuation 
centers;
(l) the right to, liberty of movement and freedom to choose 
their residence especially the IDC and their families who 
shall have tlie right to move freely in and out of evacuation 
centers or otlier settlements, subject to existing rules and 
regulations in those centers or settlements;
(m) 
the right especially of IDC and their families to: leave 
the country; seek safety in another part of the country; seek 
other service providers; seek asylum in another country; 
and be protected against forcible return to resettlement in 
any place where their life, safety, liberty or health would 
be at risk;
(n) the right of all children to be reunited with their families in 
case of separation due to armed conflict;
(o) the right to obtain necessary document/s to enjoy their 
legal rights. The State shall have the duty to expedite 
services in the issuance of new documents or the 
replacement of documents lost in the course of 
displacement, without imposing unreasonable conditions, 
and without discrimination against female child and male 
child, w'ho shall have equal rights to obtain and to be 
issued the same in tlieir own names;
(p) the right of access to justice including free legal aid when 
filing cases against the perpetrators;
(q) the right for tlie property and possessions of children and 
their families to be protected in all circumstances.
The rights enumerated in tliis Section shall not hinder the 
application of other rights recognized and guaranteed in tlie 
Constitution and other existing laws in keeping with the best 
interests of the child.
10 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
CHAPTER 3
UNLAWFUL AND PROHIBITED ACTS 
SECTION 7. Utilazvful or Prohibited Acts.
(a.) 
It shall be unlawful for any person, to commit the 
following acts of grave Child Rights Violations:
1. Killing of children;
2. Torture committed against children. For the purposes of 
this Act, torture shall include those enumerated in 
Section 4 of Republic Act 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act;
3. Intentional or causal maiming of children;
4. Sexual Abuse and Rape of children;
5. Cruel, 
inhuman 
and 
degrading 
treatment 
or 
punishment committed against children. For the 
purposes of this Act. Cruel, inhuman and degrading 
treatment 
or 
punishment 
shall 
include 
those 
enumerated in S^tion 5 of Republic Act 9745 or the 
AntiTorture Act;
6. Abduction of children;
7. Taking children as hostages or using them as human 
shield;
8. Recruitment, conscription, or enlistment of children into 
governmental armed forces and other armed groups;
9. Trafficking of Qaildren
10. Other acts of gender-based violence against children;
11. Refusal or denial of humanitarian access and/or 
assistance to children;
12. Use or involvement of Cl AC in any capacity as defined 
in Section 5(h) of this Act;
13. Attack on schools, hospitals, places of worship, 
evacuation centers and settlements and otlaer public 
places where children can usually be found.
11 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
(b.) Likewise, it shall be unlawful for any person to commit the 
following acts:
1. Hamleting
2. Food Blockade
3. Intentional Delayed Reporting of a child in custody
4. False Reporting of a child in custody
5. False Branding of children or labeling children as 
children involved in armed conflict
(c.) It shall also be unlawful for parents, ascendants, guardians, 
step parents or collateral relatives within the third degree of 
consanguinity or affinity or any person having control or 
moral ascendancy to the child to allow, willfully encourage, 
compel, coerce, or influence their child or children to be part 
of an armed group or a governmental armed force.
CHAPTER 4
PENALTIES AND PRESCRIPTION OF CRIME
SECTION 8. Penalties - The following penalties and sanctions 
are hereby imposed for the offenses enumerated in this Act:
(a) Any person found guilty of committing any of the acts 
enumerated in subparagraphs 1,2,3 and 4 of paragraph (a) 
Section 7 of this Act shall suffer the penalty of life 
imprisonment and a fine of not less than Two Million 
Pesos (P2, 000,000.00) but not more than Five Million Pesos 
P5,000,000.00)
(b) Any person found guilty of committing any of the acts 
enumerated in subparagraplis 5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12 of 
paragraph (a) Section 7 of this Act shall be punished with 
an imprisonment of not less than fourteen (14) years but 
not more than twenty (20) years and a fine of not less than 
One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) but not more than Two 
Million Pesos (P2,000,000.00); Provided where the crimes 
committed resulted in the killing, torture, maiming, or rape 
of children in subparagraphs 1,2,3 and 4 of paragraph (a) 
Section 7, the penalty imposed shall be that of Section 8 (0) 
of this Act;
12 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
(c) Any person found guilty of committing any of the acts 
enumerated in subparagraphs l /2/3/4 and 5 paragraph (b) 
Section 7 of this Act shall be punished with an 
imprisonment of not less than six (6) years but not more 
than twelve (12) years and a fine of not less than Five 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) but not more than 
One Million Pesos (P 1,000,000.00).
(d) Parents, ascendants, guardians, step parents or collateral 
relatives within tlie third degree of consanguinity or 
affinity or any person having control or moral ascendancy 
to the child to allow, willfully encourage, compel, coerce, 
or influence their child or children to be part of an armed 
group shall be punished with not less than six years but 
not more than twelve years. Provided, However That, 
parents, ascendants, guardians, step parents or collateral 
relatives within the third degree of consanguinity or 
affinity or any person having control or moral ascendancy 
to the child found guilty hereof may be allowed to serve 
the minimum period of imprisomnent based on tlae sound 
discretion of the courts guided by the principles of parens 
patriae.
SECTION 9. Non-implementation or Violation of any other 
Provisions of this Act or the Rules and Regulations in General - 
Any public officer, who shall knowingly and maliciously prevent, 
prohibit, refuse or discontinue the implementation of any provisions 
of this Act or any rules and regulations promulgated in accordance 
thereof, or in any other way violate them, if such officer has the duty 
to implement shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than six 
years but not more than twelve years and perpetual absolute 
disqualification.
Any such officer who shall prevent, prohibit, refuse or 
discontinue the implementation of this Act or its rules and 
regulations, or in any other way violate them by reason of 
inexcusable negligence or ignorance, shall be punished with an 
imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six 
months and temporary special disqualification. The public officer 
liable under this Section shall, in addition to the imprisonment, be 
held administratively liable under existing applicable laws.
13 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Any person who shall commit any other act not covered in 
Section 8, which shall result in prejudicing the rights of CIAC, 
CAAC or IDC protected under this Act shall be punished with an 
imprisonment of not less than six months but not more than six 
years.
SECTION 10. Forfeiture of Proceeds, Property and Assets - 
The court shall order the forfeiture of proceeds, property and assets 
derived, directly or indirectly, from the crimes defined and 
penalized in this Act, without prejudice to the rights of the bona fide 
third party. Tlie court sliall impose tlie corresponding accessory 
penalties under the Revised Penal Code, especially where the 
offender is a public officer.
The liabilities imposed in this Act shall not prejudice the 
application of other existing criminal, civil and administrative 
liabilities that may additionally be imposed upon the person.
SECTION 11. Non-prescription. - The crimes defined and 
penalized under this Act, their prosecution, and the execution of 
sentences imposed on their account, shall not be subject to any 
prescription.
CHAPTER 5
PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LIABILITY AND APPLICATION
OF PENALTIES
SECTION 12. Individual Criminal Responsibilities - Any 
person committing such as crime shall be criminally liable for a 
crime defined and penalized in this Act, whether as an individual, 
jointly with another or through another person, regardless of 
whether that other person is criminally responsible.
SECTION 13. Irrelevance of Official Capacity - This Act shall 
apply equally to all persons without any distinction based on official 
capacity. In no case shall the official capacity exempt a person from 
criminal responsibility or constitute a ground for reduction of 
sentence.
SECTION 14. Responsibility of Superiors - In addition to 
other grounds of criminal responsibility for crimes defined and 
penalized under this Act, a superior shall be criminally responsible 
for such crimes committed by subordinates where:
14 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
(a) That superior either knew or, owing to the circumstances 
at the time, should have known that the subordinates were 
committing or about to commit such crimes;
(b) That superior failed to take all necessary and reasonable 
measures within his/her power to prevent or repress their 
commission or to submit the matter to the competent 
authorities for investigation and prosecution.
SECTION 15. Orders from a Superior - The fact tliat a crime 
defined and penalized under this Act has been committed by a 
person pursuant to an order of a superior, shall not relieve that 
person of criminal responsibility unless all of the following elements 
occur;
(a) The person was under a legal obligation to obey orders of 
the superior in question;
(b) The person did not know that the order was unlawful; and
(c) Tlie order was not manifestly unlawful.
For the purposes of this section, orders to commit grave child 
rights violations enumerated in Section 7 are manifestly unlawful 
and shall be punished by tins Act and other applicable existing laws.
SECTION 16. Unknoion Superior - Where the crimes defined 
and penalized under this Act have been committed by a person 
pursuant to an order or command of unknown superior, any person 
who in fact directed the others, spoke for them, signed receipts and 
other documents issued in their name, or who has performed similar 
acts, on behalf of the armed groups shall be deemed the superior.
CHAPTER 6
INVESTIGATION, PROSECUTION AND COURT
SECTION 17. Court, Prosecutors and Investigators - The 
Family Courts shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over the 
crimes punishable under this Act.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), tire Department of 
Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies, the Pliilippine National
15 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Police (PNP) or other concerned law enforcement agencies shall 
designate prosecutors or investigators, as the case may be, for cases 
involving crimes punishable under this Act.
The State shall ensure that judges, prosecutors and 
investigators, especially tliose designated for purposes of this Act, 
receive effective training in human rights particularly on 
Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on 
involvement of ClAC and related international instruments. 
International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law.
SECTION 
18. 
Requirement and Procedures 
on 
Age 
Verification and Presumption of Minority - The child involved in, 
affected or displaced by armed conflict shall enjoy the presumption 
of minority and shall enjoy all the rights of a child recognized in this 
Act and other applicable laws unless proven to be eighteen (18) 
years or older.
The age of a child may be determined from tlie child's biith 
certificate, baptismal certificate or any other pertinent documents. In 
the absence of these documents, age may be based on information 
from the child, testimonies of other persons, the physical appearance 
of the child and otlier relevant evidence. In case of doubt as to the 
age of the child, it shall be resolved in favor of minority.
Any person contesting the age of the child prior to the filing of 
the information in any appropriate court may file a case in a 
summary proceeding for the determination of age before the Family 
Court, which shall decide the case within twenty four (24) hours 
from receipt of the
appropriate pleadings of all interested parties.
If a case has been filed against the child and is pending in the 
appropriate court, the person shall file a motion to determine the age 
of the child in the same court where the case is pending. Pending 
hearing on the said motion, proceedings on the main case shall be 
suspended.
In all proceedings, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, 
judges and other government officials concerned shall exert all 
efforts at determining the age of the child in armed conflict.
16 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
SECTION 19. Protection of Victims and Witnesses - In 
addition to existing provisions in Philippine law for the protection of 
victims and witnesses, the following measures shall be undertaken:
(a) The Court shall take appropriate measures to protect the; safety, 
physical and psychological well-being, dignity and privacy of 
child victims and witnesses. In so doing, the Court shall have 
regard of all relevant factors, including age, gender and health, 
and the nature of the crime, in particular, but not limited to, 
where tlie crime involves sexual or gender based violence or 
violence against children;
(b) The Court shall protect the privacy of child victims and witnesses 
and observe confidentiality consistent with existing rules on 
examination of child victims and witnesses;
(c) Where the personal interests of the child victims are affected, the 
court shall consider the child victim's views and concerns in 
accordance widi established rules of procedure and evidence;
(d) Where the disclosure of evidence or information may be 
prejudicial to the security of the child witness or the family, the 
prosecution may witlilaold such evidence or information and 
instead submit a summary thereof consistent with the rights of the 
accused to a fair and impartial trial.
SECTION 20. Reparation to Victims - In addition to existing 
provisions in Philippine law and procedural rules for reparations to 
victims, the following measures shall be undertaken;
(a) The Court shall follow the principles relating to the reparations 
to, or in respect of, child victims, including restitution, 
compensation and rehabilitation taking into consideration the 
scope and extent, of any damage, loss or injury suffered by child 
victims;
(b) The Court shall make an order directly against a convicted 
person specifying appropriate reparations to child victims, 
including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation; and
(c) Before making an order under this section, the court may invite 
and shall take account of representations from or on behalf of the 
convicted person, child victims or other interested persons.
17 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Notliing in this section shall be interpreted to prejudice the rights 
of child victims under national or international law.
SECTION 21. Immunity from Suit for Persons Providing 
Assistance - Any person who shall take custody of children involved 
in armed conflict to ensure their safety or provide them any form of 
assistance shall be exempt from any civil, criminal and 
administrative liability provided that the person shall report it to the 
Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO), Philippine 
National Police (PNP) or to the Barangay office within forty eight 
(48) hours.
CHAPTER 7
PREVENTION, REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION, 
RESCUE, DEMOBILIZATION
SECTION 22. Prevention - The State shall take all feasible 
measures to prevent the recruitment, re-recruitment, use or 
displacement of CIAC. It shall take all necessary measures to ensure 
the effective implementation and enforcement of the provisions of 
tliis Act. Towards this end the State shall:
(a) 
prioritize children's issues in the peace program of the 
Government and include diildren's concerns, specifically the 
effects of armed conflicts, in peace negotiations;
(b) 
include peace, human rights, and protective behavior skills as 
fundamental subjects in the education system;
(c) provide educational assistance, whether formal or alternative 
learning system, that is child and culturally sensitive;
(d) develop and implement training programs and campaign 
towards 'promoting a culture of peace and respect for human 
rights in collaboration with civil society organizations;
(e) 
provide capacity building for Local Governance and 
Community Development, and ensure the participation of 
various organizations, especially of children's and people's 
organization at the community level. These organizations shall be 
involved in consultation and decision-making processes and in
18 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
the development and implementation of programs, projects and 
activities established for them;
(f) establish livelihood programs which shall be made available to 
communities in identified priority areas in order to alleviate the 
living conditions of the people;
(g) 
make available basic health services in health facilities in 
identified priority areas, culturally sensitive nutrition program 
and activities including but not limited to supplementary feeding 
shall also be made available. Efforts to support traditional health 
practices in indigenous peoples area shall also be initiated;
(h) 
establish basic facilities and infrastructure needed;
(i) ensure that child protection mechanisms are present and 
functional; and
(j) establish a comprehensive, effective and efficient system for 
monitoring and reporting and response for violations as 
provided in Section 7 of this Act.
SECTION 23. Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration - The 
State shall institute policies, programs and services for rescue, 
rehabilitation and reintegration of children involved in, affected by 
or displaced by armed conflict. The programs shall aim at providing 
services for children while involving their families, communities and 
other entities to facilitate the children's reintegration process.
These services shall include but not be limited to psychosocial 
support, healtli and nutrition, education, livelihood for families and 
other basic sei*vices, and legal sei*vices as may be necessary.
Any program interventions shall be designed with due respect 
to the culture of each child, family and community. The child shall, 
at all times, be provided with legal assistance and physical security 
upon rescue.
The State shall take into account the following in the rescue, 
rehabilitation and reintegration of children:
(a) Rescue: Tlie state shall provide for adequate measures and 
mechanisms to facilitate the recovery, either voluntary or 
involuntary, of children from armed groups or governmental
19 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
armed forces. It shall provide legal and physical security to 
children involved in armed conflict including services such as 
family tracing and system of referral or response on various 
psychosocial services needed by the victims;
(b) Rehabilitation: The State shall facilitate the normal development of 
children victims in their post-involvement phase. It shall provide 
services 
including 
tlierapeutic 
counseling, 
security 
and 
protection, educational assistance and livelihood opportunities to 
their parents, relatives or guardians or to the victims when they 
become of age;
(b) Reintegration: The State shall bring children back to their families 
or communities whenever possible. This shall involve services 
including provision of alternative parental care. Trainings aimed 
to enhance community readiness in the reintegration of these 
children 
shall 
also 
be undertaken. 
Whenever possible, 
interventions for children shall be done with respect to their 
opinion. Interventions for indigenous peoples (IP) children shall 
be conducted in recognition of the traditional structures and 
institutions of their communities.
SECTION 24. Demobilization of Children Involved in Armed 
Conflict (CMC) - The State shall take all feasible measures to ensure 
that children recruited or used in hostilities contrary to this Act are 
demobilized or otherwise released from service. For the purposes of 
this Act, demobilization activities shall be initiated independent of 
any negotiated peace agreements.
The State, through its concerned agencies, in coordination with 
other stakeholders shall have the following duties:
(a) 
Develop a child-specific demobilization program. This 
demobilization program should not make as a requirement the 
surrender of arms by CIAC who have assumed non-combatant 
roles;
(b) 
Monitor and document the status of CIAC who undergo 
either formal or informal demobilization process;
(c) With due regard to the right to privacy of CIAC, tlieir security 
and safety, and considering the confidentiality of records, share 
data and information by both government and non-government
20 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
organizations to assess the needs of demobilized CIAC and to 
formulate ways to address these needs, and be informed of their 
status and updates of demobilized CIAC;
(d) 
Mobilize and strengthen networks for referrals;
(e) 
Provide free legal assistance to demobilized CIAC ensuring 
that the legal needs of the former CIAC will be addressed, such 
as, the prohibition or stoppage of filing charges or dismissal of 
cases against CIAC as criminal or political offenders irrespective 
of tlieir association with any armed group or force;
(f) Ensure the formal demobilization of CIAC through various 
approaches such as negotiating through the Government Peace 
Negotiating Panel (GPNP). Other criminal armed groups that 
utilize children and are not involved in formal peace negotiation 
with the government shall however, be dealt, in accordance with 
peace and order or security policy as may be provided by the 
appropriate 
government 
agency. 
Provided, 
Thai 
in 
any 
demobilization action, the best interest of the child shall prevail.
SECTION 25. Rescued or Surrendered Children Involved in 
Amied Conflict (CIAC) - Where the CIAC have been rescued or 
surrendered they shall at all times be treated in a child-friendly and 
sensitive manner. The State at all times shall consider the safety and 
security of the CIAC. The following procedures shall apply without 
prejudice to the application of other existing laws that will uphold 
the best interests of the child:
(a) 
The identity of rescued CIAC shall be protected. Any 
identifying information regarding them shall remain confidential;
(b) 
Rescued CIAC sliall not be used for any political propaganda 
nor be unnecessarily exposed to media in violation of child rights 
to privacy, security and confidentiality of their cases;
(c) Upon the rescue or surrender of CIAC, the government agencies, 
in particular, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 
Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of National 
Defense (DNDJ, Local Government. Units (LGUs), other 
concerned 
government agencies and/or Non-Government 
Organizations (NGOs) in possession of CIAC shall report 
immediately within twenty four (24) hours the incident to the
21 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) and 
Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC);
(d) 
The Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) 
shall coordinate with the agency and/or NGO in possession of 
ClAC for the turn-over of custody of ClAC to DSWD;
(e) 
The turnover to LSWDO shall take place within 24 hours or in 
cases where turnover is not possible witliin tlie prescribed 24 
hour period due to valid reasons and witliout the fault of the 
person liaving the custody of the child, the turnover shall be 
done within the next seventy two (72) hours;
(f) The LSWDO shall facilitate the family tracing and coordinate 
with parents, relatives or guardian of the ClAC to inform them of 
the turnover;
(g) 
The Local Health Office (LHO) in coordination with the 
LSWDO shall check and assess tlie medical and physical 
condition of ClAC. In cases where medical needs are apparent, 
the LHO shall ensure that medical services or treatment are 
received by the ClAC;
(h) 
The LSWDO shall assess the needs of the ClAC and refer to 
concerned agencies to provide immediate assistance or 
appropriate services;
(i) The LSWDO, in coordination with other agencies, shall enter the 
ClAC into the child-specific demobilization programs;
(j) The ClAC shall be reintegrated into the community. In- cases 
where reintegration to original community of origin is not 
feasible for reasons of the CIACs security, a foster community or 
institution shall be identified.
CHAPTER 8
INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND NON­
GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS
SECTION 26. Involvement of Government Organizations 
(GOs) and Non-Govemment Organizations (NGOs) - To effectively
22 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
address the issue of CSAC, the Council for the Welfare of Children 
together with its member agencies shall be assisted by the following 
government organizations (GOs) for the proper implementation of 
this Act;
(a) 
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
(b) 
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
(c) Department of National Defense (DND)
(d) 
Local Government Units (LGUs)
(e) 
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)
(f) National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
(g) 
National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council 
(NDRRMC)
(h) 
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process 
(OPAPP)
(i) Philippine Commission on Women
(j) Philippine National Police (PNP)
(k) 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
(l) Department of Health (DOH)
(m) Department of Education (DepEd)
Child-focused non-government organizations (NGOs) in 
caring for CSAC shall take active part in and strengthen their 
programs on protecting these children. For proper implementation 
of this Act, all GOs and NGOs including but not limited to those 
identified herein, shall provide their respective counterpart support 
including but not limited to technical, logistical and financial 
assistance relative to the implementation of programs, projects and 
activities for CSAC, in accordance with their mandate and in 
accordance with existing accounting and auditing rules and 
regulations.
All programs should be participatory and should ensure the 
involvement of children, their communities, NGOs, faith-based 
organizations or groups, and other concerned groups.
CHAPTER 9
MONITORING AND REPORTING
SECTION 27. Monitoring and Reporting System - The State, 
through the CWC in coordination with other concerned government
23 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
organizations shall ensure the implementation of the provisions of 
this Act and shall submit to the President and to Congress of the 
Philippines, the annual report thereof. CWC shall establish and 
maintain a database for the monitoring and reporting of CSAC 
concerns integrated in its monitoring system.
The CWC may hire additional personnel to complement its 
present Secretariat to perform its functions relative to this Act.
CHAPTER 10
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
SECTION 28. Children Involved in Armed Conflict - Upon the 
effectivity of this Act, criminal cases against children involved in 
armed conflict shall immediately be dismissed and the child shall be 
referred to the LSWDO. Such office, upon thorough assessment of 
the child, shall
determine whether to release the child to the custody of the parents, 
or refer the child to prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration 
programs as provided under this Act. Tliose with suspended 
sentences and undergoing rehabilitation at tlie youth rehabilitation 
center shall likewise be released. Provided, That the Family Court 
shall, in consultation with concerned agencies determine and order 
the appropriate prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration programs 
the person shall undergo as provided in this Act.
SECTION 29. Inventory of Custody of CSAC - The AFP, the 
PNP, the BJMP, the DSWD, the NCIP, NCMF, and the concerned 
LGUs are hereby directed to submit to the CWC, witliin ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, an inventory of all CSAC under 
their custody.
SECTION 30. Children Who Reach the Age of Eighteen (18) 
Years Pending Court Proceedings or in Suspended Saitences - If a 
child reaches the age of eighteen (18) years pending court 
proceedings, the Family Court shall dismiss the case against the 
person and determine in consultation with concerned agencies for 
the need to undergo appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration 
programs provided in this Act.
24 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Those 
with 
suspended 
sentences 
and 
undergoing 
rehabilitation at the youth rehabilitation center shall likewise be 
released: Provided, That the Family Court shall, in consultation with 
concerned agencies, 
determine and 
order the appropriate 
rehabilitation, reintegration programs the person shall undergo as 
provided in this Act.
SECTION 31. Children Who Have Been Convicted and are 
Serving Sentence. -Persons who have been convicted and are sei'ving 
sentence at the time of the effectivity of this Act and who were 
below tlie age of eighteen (18) years at the time the conunission of 
the offense for which they were convicted and are serving sentence, 
shall likewise benefit from the retroactive application of this Act. 
They shall be entitled to appropriate dispositions provided under 
this Act and their sentences shall be adjusted accordingly. They shall 
be immediately released if they are so qualified under this Act or 
other applicable law.
CHAPTER 11 
FINAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 32. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The 
CWC togetlier with its member agencies and OPAPP, with the 
involvement of CSOs, shall promulgate the implementing rules and 
regulations of tliis act within 90 days from the approval of this Act. 
All government agencies enumerated in Sec. 26 of this Act shall be 
consulted in so far as the drafting of their responsibilities are 
concerned.
NGOs involved in caring for CSAC shall likewise be consulted 
in the drafting of the implementing rules and regulations of tliis act.
SECTION 33. Appropriations -The amount of Ten Million is 
hereby appropriated to tlie CWC for tlie initial implementation of 
tliis Act. Said amount shall be funded from the gross income of the 
Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 
shall be directly remitted to a special account of the CWC. 
Thereafter, for the continued implementation of this Act, such sums 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).
SECTION 34. Repealing Clause - Article X Sections 22 to 26 of 
RA 7610, all laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with or
25 I P a g e


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed amended, 
modified or repealed accordingly.
SECTION 35. Separability Clause - If any part or provision of 
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts 
thereof not affected thereby shall remain valid.
SECTION 36. Effectivity Clause - Tliis Act shall take effect 
fifteen (15) days upon completion of its publication in at least two (2) 
national newspapers of general circulation
12 
Approved,
26 I P a g e