As the Philippines celebrates National Children’s Day on the theme “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines”, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged lawmakers to unite in expediting the passage of House Bill No. 10159, or the Magna Carta for Children.
Romualdez, the bill’s principal author, highlighted the measure’s potential to address systemic violence and neglect while fostering a nurturing environment for the nation’s youth.
“The theme of today’s celebration challenges us to confront the realities of violence and neglect faced by millions of Filipino children,” Romualdez said in a press release. “The Magna Carta for Children is a proactive step toward ending these injustices and creating a safer, brighter future for our children.”
HB 10159, approved by the House Committee on the Welfare of Children May 13, is pending on second reading. A counterpart bill, Senate Bill No. 2612, has been referred to the Senate Joint Committees on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and Finance, where it has been awaiting deliberation since March 19.
The Magna Carta for Children seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive and robust framework for protecting, developing, and empowering Filipino children. Its provisions, which include aligning national laws with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and enshrining principles such as non-discrimination, survival, development, and child participation, leave no aspect of child welfare unaddressed.
“This bill integrates and strengthens existing child protection measures, addressing gaps and ensuring that no child is left behind,” Romualdez stressed. “It is a testament to our collective commitment to uphold children’s rights and to safeguard their future.”
Key features of the bill include the elimination of child labor and the designation of children as “zones of peace” in conflict areas. It also mandates establishing child-friendly spaces, strengthening institutions that serve children, and ensuring access to education, healthcare, and legal aid.
“The Magna Carta for Children is more than a piece of legislation — it is an expression of our commitment to secure the rights and dignity of every Filipino child,” Romualdez added. “By prioritizing their welfare, we prioritize the future of our nation.” ||
