RA 7610 is the Philippines' primary child protection law, criminalising child abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. It covers physical/psychological abuse, child labour, and online sexual exploitation (with RA 11930).
Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, 1992) provides protection to children (below 18 years) against all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and other conditions prejudicial to their development. Key protections: **Child abuse**: physical, psychological, or emotional abuse, cruelty, neglect, or maltreatment that harms child development. Conviction carries penalties of 6–12 years or higher depending on gravity. **Child labour**: hazardous child labour and work that interferes with schooling are prohibited for children under 15 (no work) and under 18 (no hazardous work). **Child trafficking and sexual exploitation**: criminalised under RA 7610 and RA 9208/RA 10364 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act). **Online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC)**: prosecuted under RA 7610 and the newer RA 11930 (Anti-OSAEC Act, 2022). Reporting: call DSWD Bantay Bata 163, the PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), or the NBI Anti-Human Trafficking Division. Barangay officials also have mandatory reporting duties.
A 12-year-old is being forced to work in a factory. A neighbour reports to DSWD and the DOLE. Inspectors find the child and remove them; the employer is charged under RA 7610 for employing a child in hazardous conditions.
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