Comebacking senator Loren Legarda stressed the need for “more stringent” implementation of the laws and massive information dissemination and education campaigns against all forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation, human trafficking and prostitution, and cyber pornography, among others.
Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda has called for stricter implementation of women and child protection laws to put a stop to exploitation, abuse, and illegal human trade.
“Easy access to the internet and technological advancements have now been utilized by unscrupulous individuals for illegal activities preying on the vulnerability and innocence of women and children,” Legarda said in a statement today.
The three-term senator and Antique representative, who co-authored legislation aimed at protecting women and children, stressed the need for “more stringent” implementation of the laws and massive information dissemination and education campaigns against all forms of abuse, including sexual exploitation, human trafficking and prostitution, and cyber pornography, among others.
“The Internet is supposed to make life easier and help get things done faster, but we cannot deny the existence of those who take advantage of technological advancements to spread false information and to use it as an avenue for human trafficking and abuse,” she said.
Legarda noted that violence against women and children is one of the most pervasive human rights abuses in the country despite the existence of laws to prevent it.
“We have diligently toiled to enact vital pieces of legislation to protect the rights of women and children and to promote their welfare. The greater challenge is to effectively implement these laws and educate them on their rights. Filipino women and children around the country should be aware that they are sufficiently protected under various laws,” Legarda said.
She added that with emerging technologies, law enforcement agencies also need to keep up with the new methods and devices used by criminals, including the use of smartphones.
The senatorial candidate stressed that authorities need a comprehensive technical support and assistance in the fight against cybercrimes.
“With the presence of technology, an individual’s life can change with just one click of a button or key. Anyone can post malicious rumors and create baseless stories online and may cause permanent psychological, physical and emotional scars that may haunt them for the rest of their lives. We need to curb cybercrimes and all forms of abuse and violence against women and children. We need to strengthen our efforts and track down offenders with a sense of urgency,” Legarda said.
Legarda co-authored the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Tags: #LorenLegarda, #humantrafficking, #womensrights