Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bit No. 11093

Introduced by REP. RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Children are among the nation’s most invaluable assets, yet they remain exceptionally
vulnerable to various forms of exploitation and abuse. Their susceptibility to harm highlights
the critical need for comprehensive and effective protection measures. Despite existing anti-
human trafficking laws and other protective frameworks, organized crime syndicates continue
to exploit and abuse children with disturbing regularity. The persistence of these threats
underscores the need for a proactive and unified approach to safeguard children and address
the systemic issues contributing to their vulnerability.

The current situation reveals a troubling reality: while some missing children are successfully
located and reunited with their families, many others remain unaccounted for. These children
are at significant risk of exploitation, abuse, and even death, The existing legal frameworks,
although necessary, are often reactive rather than preventative. This gap calls for a strategic
initiative that not only addresses immediate recovery efforts but also focuses on prevention
and systemic improvements.

This bill seeks to address these urgent issues through the establishment of the National Center
for Child Protection (NCCP). The NCCP will be a central institution dedicated to Comprehensive
Child Protection: The NCCP will serve as a pivotal organization for managing cases related to
missing children, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. It will
provide a structured response to these critical issues, ensuring that every child is protected
and that recovery efforts are timely and effective.

The establishment of the National Center for Child Protection represents a critical
advancement in our efforts to safeguard children from sexual abuse, human trafficking, and
all forms of exploitation. By creating a dedicated institution with a comprehensive mandate,
this bill aims to enhance both the immediate and systemic responses to child vulnerability. It
is a vital step toward ensuring that every child is protected, supported, and empowered to
thrive in a safe environment.

Approval of this Bill is essential for reinforcing our commitment to the safety and well-being

of our children.
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|RUWEL PE S. GONZAGA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3 4.51.2

Introduced by REP. RUWEL PETER S. GONZAGA

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “National Center for Child
Protection Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of State Policy. - The State recognizes the paramount
importance of safeguarding children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
The State shall:

a) Uphold and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-
being of children, recognizing their critical role in nation-building.

b) Ensure comprehensive measures to protect children from sexual abuse,
human trafficking, exploitation, and any form of neglect or cruelty, in
accordance with national and international standards.

SECTION 3. Scope and Definition of Terms. ~ For purposes of this Act:

a) “Child” refers to any person below eighteen (18) years of age, as defined

under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

b) "Sexual abuse" refers to any form of sexual exploitation or misconduct,
including but not limited to molestation, sexual assault, and forced
prostitution.

“Human trafficking" refers to the illegal trade or transportation of children
for purposes of exploitation, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, or
other forms of abuse.

“Exploitation” encompasses the use of children for illicit or harmful purposes,
including labor, pornography, and other forms of abuse.

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SECTION 4. Establishment of the National Center for Child Protection (NCCP). —
There is hereby established, under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare


and Development (DSWD), the National Center for Child Protection (NCCP). The NCCP
shall have the following powers and functions:

a) Hotlines and Information Dissemination: Operate national hotlines to report
cases of missing children, abuse, and exploitation. Disseminate relevant
information, including photographs, descriptions, and biographical details,
to local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the general
public.

Database Management: Maintain and regularly update a nationwide

computerized database of missing children, abuse cases, and trafficking

incidents to facilitate prompt response and recovery efforts.

Coordination and Collaboration: Coordinate with government agencies,

NGOs, media, and community organizations to locate and rescue missing

children and to provide comprehensive support services to victims.

d) Public Awareness and Education: Develop and implement educational

programs for parents, children, and communities on the prevention of

abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.

Research and Data Collection: Conduct annual studies to assess the

prevalence of child abuse, trafficking, and missing children, and evaluate

the effectiveness of intervention strategies.

f) Technical and Financial Assistance: Seek and utilize public and private grants
to support initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse, enhancing recovery
efforts, and providing support to affected families.

g) Policy Advocacy and Development: Advocate for and contribute to the

development of effective policies and legislation related to child protection

and welfare.

Counseling and Support Services: Provide or facilitate access to counseling

and support services for children who are victims of abuse or exploitation

and their families.

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SECTION 5. Executive Council. - The NCCP shall be governed by an Executive Council,
hereinafter referred to as the Council, composed of the following members:

a) Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as

Chairperson;

b) Secretary of Justice (DOJ);

©) Secretary of Education (DepEd);

d) Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);

e) Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP);

f) Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR);

g) Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI);

h) Executive Director of the National Center for Child Protection (NCCP);

i) Executive Director of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWO);


J) Two (2) representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
involved in child protection, appointed by the Secretary of Justice and the
Secretary of Social Welfare and Development.

SECTION 6. Executive Director. - The NCCP shall be headed by an Executive Director,
appointed by the Council, who shall oversee the operational and administrative
functions of the Center, including the determination of its organizational structure and
staffing.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation
of this Act shall be appropriated from the current funds of the Department of Social
Welfare and Development. Subsequent funding for the continued implementation of
this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All |aws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, or
parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,