By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 67, establishing the Presidential Office for Children Protection (POCP) to safeguard children’s rights and provide them with special protection.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the POCP will tackle the growing issue of online smut that involves the abuse and criminal exploitation of children.

The newly formed office will focus on combating Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) cases and other threats to the welfare and well-being of Filipino children.

President Marcos emphasized that establishing this office is essential to “ensure a whole-of-nation approach in strengthening the existing institutional and legal framework for child protection.”

“The POCP shall monitor and harmonize government initiatives, policies, and programs related to child protection and the promotion of their welfare, with a special focus on anti-OSAEC, Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM), and anti-child trafficking matters,” the EO stated.

The office will be led by the Presidential Adviser for Child Protection (PACP) and will operate under the control and supervision of the Special Assistant to the President.

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