DSWD signs implementing rules of Anti-Child Pornography Act

MANILA, Philippines - Government and child protection groups can now wage a stronger campaign against child pornography with the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009.

Members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, signed the IRR last week.

Social Welfare acting secretary Celia Yangco said the IRR will make Filipino children less vulnerable to the illicit trade as stiffer penalties will be meted to anyone found guilty of involvement in child pornography.

The law defines child pornography as “any representation, be it visual, audio or written, combination thereof, by electronic, mechanical, digital, optical, magnetic or other means, of a child engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual activities.”

Any person who produces, distributes, publishes and commits other related acts would also be subject to penalties.

Yangco said violators may include Internet service providers (ISPs) and Internet content hosts.

The ISPs, as required by law, must have to install filtering software that will block access to websites through the Internet that contains illegal images of children.

Under the law, the child victim of these acts is recognized as victim of violent crime and may claim compensation and protection.

It also provides mandatory services for victims such as shelter, counseling, free legal, medical and psychological services and educational assistance.

Perpetrators may be penalized with fines ranging from P50,000 to P5 million to reclusion perpetua.

RA 9775 was signed into law by President Arroyo on Nov. 17, 2009.