A Cebu City council approved a new ordinance aimed at preventing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The law, known as the Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OSAEC) ordinance, seeks to criminalize the creation, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.
The ordinance mandates stricter penalties for offenders, including imprisonment and fines. It also requires internet service providers to report suspicious activity and collaborate with law enforcement. The law defines child sexual abuse materials as any visual or audio content depicting a child engaged in explicit conduct.
This legislation comes amid growing concerns over the rise of online predators and the ease with which illegal content can be shared. Local authorities have reported an increase in cases involving minors being targeted online. The new law is expected to be implemented within the next six months, with public awareness campaigns planned to accompany its enforcement.
Cebu City has been at the forefront of efforts to address digital safety, following similar laws passed in other parts of the Philippines. The OSAEC ordinance is part of a broader national initiative to protect children from online harm. The law reflects a growing recognition of the need for legal frameworks to keep pace with evolving digital threats.
