Executive Order No. 53

Strengthening the Committee for the Special Protection of Children, Amending for this Purpose Executive Order No. 275 (s.1995)

Role of the CSPC

The CSPC is hereby strengthened and reorganized to effectively function as the body principally responsible for coordinating and monitoring the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violations of R.A. No. 7610 and other child-related criminal laws.

Vision

All children in the Philippines and Filipino children elsewhere are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Mission Statement

Guided by the principles of non-discrimination, best interest of the child, respect for the views of the child, and the right of the child to life, as well as Article 19 of the CRC, as codified under RA 7610, the SCPC shall ensure that all children in the Philippines are provided legal protection, within a child sensitive justice system.


Functions and Duties

The Committee shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Establish a system of collecting periodic reports from member agencies on cases filed before them including the status of such cases;
2. Request member agencies and other government instrumentalities to address specific issues brought to the Committee’s attention that require immediate action;
3. Coordinate with other inter-agency councils and other similar structures and mechanisms for synchronization and harmonization of actions on the legal protection of children;
4. Develop and/or recommend policies and guidelines to address gaps and issues identified in the investigation and prosecution of cases as well as in the legal protection of children;
5. Formulate a uniform protocol for capacity-building of duty bearers and other stakeholders with emphasis on multi-disciplinary approach;
6. Call upon non-member agencies for assistance when necessary in the exercise of its functions and duties;

Composition

The Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary of Justice and co-chaired by the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, with the following as members:

• Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights;
• Secretary of Foreign Affairs;
• Secretary of Labor and Employment;
• Secretary of Tourism;
• Secretary of the Interior and Local Government;
• Secretary of Health;
• Secretary of Education;
• Commissioner of Immigration;
• Director of the National Bureau of Investigation;
• Chief of the Philippine National Police;
• Prosecutor General; and
• Three (3) representatives of non-government or private organizations working and/or advocating for the protection of children.

Accomplishments

• Formulation and Updating of the Comprehensive Program for Child Protection **Localization in Puerto Princesa City, Tagbilaran City, Panglao, Bohol, Boracay and Antique
• Philippine Plan for Safeguarding Children from Commercial Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (project with the UK Embassy)(Offenders Database)
• Formulation of policies (within the agencies) relative to cases on children
• Guide for Media Practitioners (integrated in the KBP Code of Conduct) and coordinated with other media organizations on its implementation
• Protocols on Case Management of Children Victims of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
• Monitoring of Cases (to name a few - Echeverry (Boracay), Jala-jala (Rizal), Matthews (Surigao), Amarela Resort (Bohol), Zambales Case � mayor, Zagada Case)
• Legal Assistance to Children
• Capability building (trainings) for prosecutors and other law enforcement personnel nationwide
• Immediate action on child abuse cases in coordination with concerned agencies (Supreme Court, DFA, BI, NBI)
• Surveillance (Angeles City, Pasay City & Subic)
• Dialogues (with LCEs - Angeles City and Laoag City, MTRCB, Supreme Court, Family doctors, and the like)
• IEC Campaign/Media Advocacy (posters for the CSAAW Week, Forum on Trafficking)
• Monitoring of advertisements