MANILA — The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), a focal government inter-agency body pushing for children’s rights, on Monday bared that they are batting for the passage of more child-friendly laws.
In her State of the Children Address during the 26th National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, CWC Executive Director Mitch Cajayon-Uy said: “The status and welfare of our children is a reflection of what we are as a nation.”
“Ang CWC ay katuwang (ninyo) pagdating sa pagbibigay ng mga karapatan ng mga bata (The CWC is your partner when it comes to providing for the rights of the children),” Cajayon-Uy added.
The CWC official also said that the Council is now focused on pushing for the immediate enactment of Positive Discipline Bill, which is now in the legislative agenda of the 17th Congress, and the Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CISA) Bill.
She said that the government is also advocating for the upholding of all stakeholders of the four rights of the child — survival, protection, participation and development in society.
“This 26th NCM, ang buwan na ito ay pagsasa-alaalang ng gobyerno sa mga karapatan ng mga bata (is the month where the government is taking into consideration the rights of the children). Focused sa positive parenting at positive discipline at may theme: Isulong: Tamang Pag-aaruga Para sa Lahat ng Bata! (Promote: The Proper Caring for All Children)”.
Cajayon-Uy added that they are opposing a proposed legislative measure lowering the age of criminal liability for minors.
Earlier, Senator Nancy Binay said she is convinced that the age of consent in the country should be raised to 16 years old from the present 12, following reports of alleged rape of a 15-year-old by a policeman.
In July, Binay filed Senate Bill 1895 which aims to make 16 years old the minimum age to determine statutory rape for children in the country, up from under 12 years specified in the Revised Penal Code.
Binay said the measure is still in the committee level, adding that she will ask the legislative commitment of fellow senators to fast-track its passage. (/PNA)
