Adults get a visual treat where they can feast their eyes on epic proportions from virtual adult Disneyland often referred to as porn sites. Yes, you will be greeted with an all-you-can eat buffet palatable to your senses. They are the sights to behold to some, but definitely not a form of entertainment for the squeamish. However, sex predators are also using these sites to feed their insatiable appetite. The government has taken the first step to curbing child pornography, as stipulated in Republic Act 9775 or the Anti-Child Pornography Law. Back in 2014, similar efforts were made by the National Telecommunications Commission of the Philippines. In a recent study, it has been revealed that the Philippines spent the most time on porn sites. At this point, there are experts who are still skeptical about the effort, but the results are still unclear unless you start looking through the lens.
Anti-Child Pornography Law
Section 4. Unlawful or Prohibited Acts. – It shall be unlawful for any person:
(a) To hire, employ, use, persuade, induce or coerce a child to perform in the creation or production of any form of child pornography;
(b) To produce, direct, manufacture or create any form of child pornography;
(c) To publish offer, transmit, sell, distribute, broadcast, advertise, promote, export or import any form of child pornography;
(d) To possess any form of child pornography with the intent to sell, distribute, publish, or broadcast: Provided. That possession of three (3) or more articles of child pornography of the same form shall be prima facie evidence of the intent to sell, distribute, publish or broadcast;
(e) To knowingly, willfully and intentionally provide a venue for the commission of prohibited acts as, but not limited to, dens, private rooms, cubicles, cinemas, houses or in establishments purporting to be a legitimate business;
(f) For film distributors, theaters and telecommunication companies, by themselves or in cooperation with other entities, to distribute any form of child pornography;
(g) For a parent, legal guardian or person having custody or control of a child to knowingly permit the child to engage, participate or assist in any form of child pornography;
(h) To engage in the luring or grooming of a child;
(i) To engage in pandering of any form of child pornography;
(j) To willfully access any form of child pornography;
(k) To conspire to commit any of the prohibited acts stated in this section. Conspiracy to commit any form of child pornography shall be committed when two (2) or more persons come to an agreement concerning the commission of any of the said prohibited acts and decide to commit it; and
(l) To possess any form of child pornography.
Section 5. Syndicated Child Pornography – The crime of child pornography is deemed committed by a syndicate if carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiring or confederating with one another and shall be punished under Section 15(a) of this Act.
Section 6. Who May File a Complaint. – Complaints on cases of any form of child pornography and other offenses punishable under this Act may be filed by the following:
(a) Offended party;
(b) Parents or guardians;
(c) Ascendant or collateral relative within the third degree of consanguinity;
(d) Officer, social worker or representative of a licensed child-caring institution;
(e) Officer or social worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
(f) Local social welfare development officer;
(g) Barangay chairman;
(h) Any law enforcement officer;
(i) At least three (3) concerned responsible citizens residing in the place where the violation occurred; or
(j) Any person who has personal knowledge of the circumstances of the commission of any offense under this Act.
