The Senate plans to revisit several priority measures from the previous Congress, with Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros pledging to refile important legislation focused on child protection and women’s rights. During the Kapihan sa Senado media forum, Hontiveros announced her intention to reintroduce amendments to the Safe Spaces Act, the proposed Magna Carta of Children, and “Sandy’s Law” or the Child Tourist Safety Bill—legislation that advanced in the 19th Congress but was not enacted.
“Excited akong ituloy ang trabaho lalo na sa Safe Spaces Law na kailangang i-update laban sa mga panibagong banta tulad ng deepfakes (I’m eager to continue the work, especially on strengthening the Safe Spaces Law against emerging threats like deepfakes),” Hontiveros stated. The proposed amendments aim to enhance protections in digital spaces for women, children, and individuals of diverse SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics), addressing concerns over artificial intelligence and online abuse.
Another priority is the Magna Carta of Children, which seeks to improve the rights and welfare of Filipino children, especially in disaster, conflict, and abuse situations. “Dapat may sapat na legal framework para tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bata, lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna, krimen, o emergency (There must be a clear legal framework to address children’s needs, especially during disasters, crimes, or emergencies),” she emphasized.
Hontiveros also plans to refile the Child Tourist Safety Bill, or Sandy’s Law, aimed at strengthening safety protocols in tourist destinations following incidents involving children. “May mga insidente ng pagkamatay o injury ng mga bata sa tourist spots, kaya kailangan ng mas mahigpit na batas para masiguro ang kaligtasan nila (There have been incidents where children died or were injured in tourist spots, so we need stricter laws to ensure their safety),” she added.
The senator highlighted the relevance and urgency of these measures and expressed hope for broader support in the 20th Congress to finally pass them into law. “Boses ng minority man kami, pero dadalhin namin ulit ang mga panukalang para sa kapakanan ng mga bata at kababaihan (We may be the voice of the minority, but we will continue to push for legislation that protects children and women),” she affirmed.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros looks forward to collaborating with colleagues to schedule hearings and mobilize inter-agency efforts on these refiled bills.