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RepublicActNo.7610
PostedonJune17,1992(http://www.gov.ph/1992/06/17/republicactno7610/)

REPUBLICOFTHEPHILIPPINES
CongressofthePhilippines
MetroManila
NinthCongress
RepublicActNo.7610
June17,1992
ANACTPROVIDINGFORSTRONGERDETERRENCEANDSPECIALPROTECTIONAGAINST
CHILDABUSE,EXPLOITATIONANDDISCRIMINATION,ANDFOROTHERPURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
ARTICLEI
Title,Policy,PrinciplesandDefinitionsofTerms
Section 1. Title.ThisAct shall be known as the Special Protection of Children AgainstAbuse,
ExploitationandDiscriminationAct.

Section2.DeclarationofStatePolicyandPrinciples.Itisherebydeclaredtobethepolicyof
the State to provide special protection to children from all firms of abuse, neglect, cruelty
exploitation and discrimination and other conditions, prejudicial their development provide
sanctionsfortheircommissionandcarryoutaprogramforpreventionanddeterrenceofandcrisis
interventionin situationsof childabuse,exploitation anddiscrimination. TheState shallintervene
onbehalfofthechildwhentheparent,guardian, teacherorpersonhavingcareorcustodyofthe
child failsor isunable to protectthe childagainst abuse, exploitationand discriminationor when
suchactsagainst thechildarecommittedby thesaidparent,guardian,teacher orpersonhaving
careandcustodyofthesame.
It shall be the policy of the State to protect and rehabilitate children gravely threatened or
endangeredbycircumstanceswhichaffectorwillaffecttheirsurvivalandnormaldevelopmentand
overwhichtheyhavenocontrol.
Thebestinterestsofchildrenshallbetheparamountconsiderationinallactionsconcerningthem,
whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative
authorities, and legislative bodies, consistent with the principle of First Call for Children as
enunciated in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. Every effort shall be
exertedtopromotethewelfareofchildrenandenhancetheiropportunitiesforausefulandhappy
life.
Section3.DefinitionofTerms.
(a) Children refersto person below eighteen(18) years of ageor those over butare unable to
fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or
discriminationbecauseofaphysicalormentaldisabilityorcondition
(b) Child abuserefers to the maltreatment, whetherhabitual or not, of thechild which includes
anyofthefollowing:
(1)Psychologicalandphysicalabuse,neglect,cruelty,sexualabuseandemotionalmaltreatment
(2)Anyactbydeedsorwordswhichdebases,degradesordemeanstheintrinsicworthanddignity
ofachildasahumanbeing
(3)Unreasonabledeprivationofhisbasicneedsforsurvival,suchasfoodandshelter

(4)Failuretoimmediatelygivemedicaltreatmenttoaninjuredchildresultinginseriousimpairment
ofhisgrowthanddevelopmentorinhispermanentincapacityordeath.
(c) Circumstances which gravely threaten or endanger the survival and normal development of
childreninclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing
(1)Beinginacommunitywherethereisarmedconflictorbeingaffectedbyarmedconflictrelated
activities
(2)Workingunderconditionshazardoustolife,safetyandnormalwhichundulyinterferewiththeir
normaldevelopment
(3) Living in or fending for themselves in the streets of urban or rural areas without the care of
parentsoraguardianorbasicservicesneededforagoodqualityoflife
(4)Beingamember ofaindigenousculturalcommunityand/orliving underconditionsofextreme
poverty or in an area which is underdeveloped and/or lacks or has inadequate access to basic
servicesneededforagoodqualityoflife
(5)Beingavictimofamanmadeornaturaldisasterorcalamityor
(6) Circumstances analogous to those above stated which endanger the life, safety or normal
developmentofchildren.
(d) Comprehensive program against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination refers to the
coordinatedprogramofservicesandfacilitiestoprotectedchildrenagainst:
(1)ChildProstitutionandothersexualabuse
(2)Childtrafficking
(3)Obscenepublicationsandindecentshows
(4)Otheractsofabusesand
(5)Circumstanceswhichthreatenorendangerthesurvivalandnormaldevelopmentofchildren.
ARTICLEII

ProgramonChildAbuse,ExploitationandDiscrimination
Section 4. Formulation of the Program. There shall be a comprehensive program to be
formulated,bytheDepartmentofJusticeandtheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment
incoordinationwithothergovernmentagenciesand privatesectorconcerned,withinone(1)year
fromtheeffectivityofthisAct,toprotectchildrenagainstchildprostitutionandothersexualabuse
childtrafficking,obscenepublicationsandindecentshowsotheractsofabuseandcircumstances
whichendangerchildsurvivalandnormaldevelopment.
ARTICLEIII
ChildProstitutionandOtherSexualAbuse
Section5.ChildProstitution andOtherSexualAbuse.Children,whether maleor female,who
for money, profit, or any other consideration or due to the coercion or influence of any adult,
syndicateorgroup,indulgeinsexualintercourseorlasciviousconduct,aredeemedtobechildren
exploitedinprostitutionandothersexualabuse.
The penalty of reclusion temporal in its medium period to reclusion perpetua shall be imposed
uponthefollowing:
(a) Thosewho engage inor promote, facilitateor induce childprostitution which include,but are
notlimitedto,thefollowing:
(1)Actingasaprocurerofachildprostitute
(2)Inducingapersontobeaclientofachildprostitutebymeansofwrittenororaladvertisements
orothersimilarmeans
(3)Takingadvantageofinfluenceorrelationshiptoprocureachildasprostitute
(4)Threateningorusingviolencetowardsachildtoengagehimasaprostituteor
(5)Givingmonetaryconsiderationgoodsorotherpecuniarybenefittoachildwithintenttoengage
suchchildinprostitution.

(b)Thosewhocommittheactofsexual intercourseoflasciviousconductwithachildexploitedin
prostitutionorsubjecttoothersexualabuseProvided,Thatwhenthevictimsisundertwelve(12)
years of age, the perpetrators shall be prosecuted underArticle 335, paragraph 3, for rape and
Article336ofActNo.3815,asamended,theRevisedPenalCode,forrapeorlasciviousconduct,
as the case may be: Provided, That the penalty for lascivious conduct when the victim is under
twelve(12)yearsofageshallbereclusiontemporalinitsmediumperiodand
(c) Those who derive profit or advantage therefrom, whether as manager or owner of the
establishment where the prostitution takes place, or of the sauna, disco, bar, resort, place of
entertainment orestablishment servingas acover or whichengages inprostitution inaddition to
theactivityforwhichthelicensehasbeenissuedtosaidestablishment.
Section 6. Attempt To Commit Child Prostitution. There is an attempt to commit child
prostitutionunderSection5,paragraph(a)hereofwhenanypersonwho,notbeingarelativeofa
child,isfoundalonewiththesaidchildinsidetheroomorcubicleofahouse,aninn,hotel,motel,
pension house, apartelle or other similar establishments, vessel, vehicle or any other hidden or
secludedareaundercircumstanceswhichwouldleadareasonablepersontobelievethatthechild
isabouttobeexploitedinprostitutionandothersexualabuse.
Thereisalsoanattempttocommitchildprostitution,underparagraph(b)ofSection5hereofwhen
anypersonisreceivingservicesfromachildinasaunaparlororbath,massageclinic,healthclub
andother similarestablishments.Apenalty lowerby two(2) degreesthan thatprescribed forthe
consummatedfelonyunderSection5hereofshallbeimposedupontheprincipalsoftheattemptto
commit the crime of child prostitution under this Act, or, in the proper case, under the Revised
PenalCode.
ARTICLEIV
ChildTrafficking
Section 7.Child Trafficking.Any person who shall engage in trading and dealing with children
including, but not limited to, the act of buying and selling of a child for money, or for any other
consideration, or barter, shall suffer the penaltyof reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua. The
penaltyshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodwhenthevictimisundertwelve(12)yearsofage.

Section8.AttempttoCommitChildTrafficking.Thereisanattempttocommitchildtrafficking
underSection7ofthisAct:
(a) When a child travels alone to a foreign country without valid reason therefore and without
clearance issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development or written permit or
justificationfromthechildsparentsorlegalguardian
(c)Whena person,agency,establishmentor childcaringinstitutionrecruitswomen orcouplesto
bearchildrenforthepurposeofchildtraffickingor
(d)Whenadoctor,hospitalorclinicofficialoremployee,nurse,midwife,localcivilregistrarorany
otherpersonsimulatesbirthforthepurposeofchildtraffickingor
(e) When a person engages in the act of finding children among lowincome families, hospitals,
clinics, nurseries, daycare centers, or other childduring institutions who can be offered for the
purposeofchildtrafficking.
Apenaltylowertwo(2)degreesthanthatprescribedfortheconsummatedfelonyunderSection7
hereofshallbeimposedupontheprincipalsoftheattempttocommitchildtraffickingunderthisAct.
ARTICLEV
ObscenePublicationsandIndecentShows
Section9.ObscenePublicationsandIndecentShows.Anypersonwhoshallhire,employ,use,
persuade,induceorcoerceachildtoperforminobsceneexhibitionsandindecentshows,whether
liveorinvideo,ormodelinobscene publicationsorpornographicmaterialsortosellordistribute
thesaidmaterialsshallsufferthepenaltyofprisonmayorinitsmediumperiod.
Ifthechildusedasaperformer,subjectorseller/distributorisbelowtwelve(12)yearsofage,the
penaltyshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiod.
Any ascendant, guardian, or person entrusted in any capacitywith the care of a child who shall
cause and/or allow such child to be employed or to participate in an obscene play, scene, act,
movieorshoworinanyotheractscoveredbythissectionshallsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayor
initsmediumperiod.

ARTICLEVI
OtherActsofAbuse
Section 10. Other Acts of Neglect, Abuse, Cruelty or Exploitation and Other Conditions
PrejudicialtotheChildsDevelopment.
(a)Any person who shall commit any other acts of child abuse, cruelty or exploitation or to be
responsible forother conditionsprejudicial to thechilds developmentincluding thosecovered by
Article 59 of Presidential Decree No. 603, as amended, but not covered by the Revised Penal
Code,asamended,shallsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayorinitsminimumperiod.
(b)Anypersonwhoshallkeeporhaveinhiscompanyaminor,twelve(12)yearsorunderorwho
in ten (10) years or more his junior in any public or private place, hotel, motel, beer joint,
discotheque,cabaret, pensionhouse, saunaormassage parlor,beach and/orother touristresort
orsimilar placesshallsufferthe penaltyofprision mayorinitsmaximum periodandafine ofnot
less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000): Provided, That this provision shall not apply to any
personwhoisrelatedwithinthefourthdegree ofconsanguinityoraffinityoranybondrecognized
bylaw,localcustomandtraditionoractsintheperformanceofasocial,moralorlegalduty.
(c)Anypersonwhoshallinduce,deliverorofferaminortoanyoneprohibitedbythisActtokeep
orhaveinhiscompanyaminorasprovidedintheprecedingparagraphshallsufferthepenaltyof
prision mayor in its medium period and a fine of not less than Forty thousand pesos (P40,000)
Provided, however, That should the perpetrator be an ascendant, stepparent or guardian of the
minor,the penaltytobe imposedshallbe prisionmayorin itsmaximumperiod, afineof notless
thanFiftythousandpesos(P50,000),andthelossofparentalauthorityovertheminor.
(d)Anyperson,owner,manageroroneentrustedwiththeoperationofanypublicorprivateplace
of accommodation, whether for occupancy, food,drink or otherwise, including residential places,
whoallowsanypersontotakealongwithhimtosuchplaceorplacesanyminorhereindescribed
shallbeimposed apenaltyofprisionmayor initsmediumperiod andafineofnot lessthanFifty
thousandpesos(P50,000),andthelossofthelicensetooperatesuchaplaceorestablishment.
(e)Anypersonwhoshalluse,coerce,forceorintimidateastreetchildoranyotherchildto
(1)Begorusebeggingasameansofliving

(2)Actasconduitormiddlemenindrugtraffickingorpushingor
(3) Conduct any illegal activities, shall suffer the penalty of prision correccional in its medium
periodtoreclusionperpetua.
ForpurposesofthisAct,thepenaltyforthecommissionofactspunishableunderArticles248,249,
262,paragraph 2,and263,paragraph 1ofActNo. 3815,asamended,the RevisedPenalCode,
for the crimes of murder, homicide, other intentional mutilation, and serious physical injuries,
respectively, shall be reclusion perpetua when the victim is under twelve (12) years of age. The
penaltyforthecommissionofactspunishableunderArticle337,339,340and341ofActNo.3815,
asamended,theRevisedPenalCode,forthecrimesofqualifiedseduction,actsoflasciviousness
with the consent of the offended party, corruption of minors, and white slave trade, respectively,
shallbeone(1)degreehigherthanthatimposedbylawwhenthevictimisundertwelve(12)years
age.
The victim of the acts committed under this section shall be entrusted to the care of the
DepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment.
ARTICLEVII
SanctionsforEstablishmentsorEnterprises
Section 11. Sanctions of Establishments or Enterprises which Promote, Facilitate, or Conduct
Activities Constituting Child Prostitution and Other Sexual Abuse, Child Trafficking, Obscene
Publicationsand IndecentShows, andOtherActs ofAbuse.Allestablishments andenterprises
which promote or facilitate child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child trafficking, obscene
publications and indecent shows, and other acts ofabuse shall be immediately closed and their
authorityorlicensetooperatecancelled,withoutprejudicetotheownerormanagerthereofbeing
prosecuted under thisAct and/or the Revised Penal Code, as amended, or special laws.A sign
with the words off limits shall be conspicuously displayed outside the establishments or
enterprisesbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentforsuchperiodwhichshallnot
be lessthan one(1) year,as theDepartment maydetermine. Theunauthorized removalof such
signshallbepunishablebyprisioncorreccional.

An establishment shall be deemed to promote or facilitate child prostitution and other sexual
abuse, childtrafficking, obscene publicationsand indecent shows,and otheracts of abuseif the
actsconstitutingthesameoccurinthepremisesofsaidestablishmentunderthisActorinviolation
of the Revised Penal Code, as amended. An enterprise such as a sauna, travel agency, or
recruitmentagencywhich:promotestheaforementionedactsaspartofatourforforeigntourists
exhibits children in a lewd or indecent show provides child masseurs for adults of the same or
opposite sex and said services include any lascivious conduct with the customers or solicits
childrenoractivitiesconstituting theaforementionedactsshallbedeemed tohavecommittedthe
actspenalizedherein.
ARTICLEVIII
WorkingChildren
Section12.EmploymentofChildren.Childrenbelowfifteen(15)yearsofagemaybeemployed
except:
(1) Whena childworks directlyunder the soleresponsibility ofhis parentsor legalguardian and
where only members of the employers family are employed: Provided, however, That his
employment neither endangers his life, safety and health and morals, nor impairs his normal
development:Provided,further,Thattheparentorlegalguardianshallprovidethesaidminorchild
withtheprescribedprimaryand/orsecondaryeducationor
(2) When a childs employment or participation in public & entertainment or information through
cinema,theater,radioortelevisionis essential:Provided,Theemploymentcontractconcludedby
thechildsparentorguardian,withtheexpressagreementofthechildconcerned,ifpossible,and
the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment: Provided, That the following
requirementsinallinstancesarestrictlycompliedwith:
(a)Theemployershallensuretheprotection,health,safetyandmoralsofthechild
(b)theemployershallinstitutemeasurestopreventthechildsexploitationordiscriminationtaking
intoaccount thesystemand levelofremuneration, andthe durationandarrangement ofworking
timeand

(c) The employer shall formulate and implement, subject to the approval and supervision of
competentauthorities,acontinuingprogramfortrainingandskillacquisitionofthechild.
In the aboveexceptional cases where any suchchild may be employed, theemployer shall first
secure,beforeengagingsuchchild,aworkpermitfromtheDepartmentofLaborandEmployment
whichshallensureobservanceoftheaboverequirement.
The Department of Labor Employment shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the
effectiveimplementationofthisSection.
Section13.NonformalEducationforWorkingChildren.TheDepartmentofEducation,Culture
and Sports shall promulgate a course design under its nonformal education program aimed at
promoting the intellectual, moral and vocational efficiency of working children who have not
undergoneorfinishedelementaryorsecondaryeducation.Suchcoursedesignshallintegratethe
learningprocessdeemedmosteffectiveundergivencircumstances.
Section14.ProhibitionontheEmploymentofChildreninCertainAdvertisements.Noperson
shall employ child models in all commercials or advertisements promoting alcoholic beverages,
intoxicatingdrinks,tobaccoanditsbyproductsandviolence.
Section 15. Duty of Employer.Every employer shall comply with the duties provided for in
Articles108and109ofPresidentialDecreeNo.603.
Section16.Penalties.AnypersonwhoshallviolateanyprovisionofthisArticleshallsufferthe
penalty ofa fineof not lessthan Onethousand pesos(P1,000) but notmore thanTen thousand
pesos (P10,000) or imprisonment of not less than three (3) months but not more than three (3)
years, orboth at thediscretion of thecourt Provided,That, in caseof repeated violationsof the
provisionsofthisArticle,theoffenderslicensetooperateshallberevoked.
ARTICLEIX
ChildrenofIndigenousCulturalCommunities
Section 17. Survival, Protection and Development.In addition to the rights guaranteed to
childrenunderthisActandotherexistinglaws,childrenofindigenousculturalcommunitiesshallbe
entitledtoprotection,survivalanddevelopmentconsistentwiththecustomsandtraditionsoftheir

respectivecommunities.
Section 18. System of andAccess to Education.The Department of Education, Culture and
Sports shall develop and institute an alternative system of education for children of indigenous
culturalcommunitieswhichculturespecific andrelevanttotheneedsof andtheexistingsituation
in their communities. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall also accredit and
supportnonformalbutfunctionalindigenouseducationalprogramsconductedbynongovernment
organizationsinsaidcommunities.
Section19. HealthandNutrition.The deliveryof basicsocial servicesin healthand nutritionto
children of indigenous cultural communities shall be given priority by all government agencies
concerned. Hospitals andother health institution shallensure that children ofindigenous cultural
communitiesaregivenequalattention.Intheprovisionofhealthandnutritionservicestochildren
ofindigenousculturalcommunities,indigenoushealthpracticesshallberespectedandrecognized.
Section20.Discrimination.Childrenofindigenousculturalcommunitiesshallnotbesubjectedto
anyandallformsofdiscrimination.
Any person who discriminate against children of indigenous cultural communities shall suffer a
penalty ofarresto mayor inits maximum periodand afine of notless than Fivethousand pesos
(P5,000)morethanTenthousandpesos(P10,000).
Section 21. Participation. Indigenous cultural communities, through their dulydesignated or
appointed representatives shall be involved in planning, decisionmaking implementation, and
evaluation of all government programs affecting children of indigenous cultural communities.
Indigenousinstitutionshallalsoberecognizedandrespected.
ARTICLEX
ChildreninSituationsofArmedConflict
Section 22. Children as Zones of Peace.Children are hereby declared as Zones of Peace. It
shallbetheresponsibilityoftheStateandallothersectorsconcernedtoresolvearmedconflictsin
order to promote the goal of children as zones of peace. To attain this objective, the following
policiesshallbeobserved.

(a)Childrenshallnotbetheobjectofattackandshallbeentitledtospecialrespect.Theyshallbe
protectedfromanyformofthreat,assault,tortureorothercruel,inhumaneordegradingtreatment
(b)ChildrenshallnotberecruitedtobecomemembersoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesofits
civilianunitsorotherarmedgroups,norbeallowedtotakepartinthefighting,orusedasguides,
couriers,orspies
(c) Delivery of basic social services such as education, primary health and emergency relief
servicesshallbekeptunhampered
(d)Thesafetyandprotectionofthosewhoprovideservicesincludingthoseinvolvedinfactfinding
missionsfrom bothgovernmentandnongovernment institutionsshallbeensured. Theyshallnot
besubjectedtoundueharassmentintheperformanceoftheirwork
(e) Public infrastructuresuch as schools, hospitals andrural health units shall notbe utilized for
militarypurposessuchascommandposts,barracks,detachments,andsupplydepotsand
(f)Allappropriatestepsshallbetakentofacilitatethereunionoffamiliestemporarilyseparateddue
toarmedconflict.
Section 23. Evacuation of Children During Armed Conflict.Children shall be given priority
duringevacuationasa resultofarmedconflict.Existingcommunity organizationsshallbetapped
tolookafterthesafetyandwellbeingofchildrenduringevacuationoperations.Measuresshallbe
takento ensurethat childrenevacuatedare accompaniedbypersons responsiblefor theirsafety
andwellbeing.
Section 24. Family Life and Temporary Shelter.Whenever possible, members of the same
family shall be housed in the same premises and given separate accommodation from other
evacuees and providedwith facilities to lead anormal family life. In placesof temporary shelter,
expectant and nursing mothers and children shall be given additional food in proportion to their
physiologicalneeds.Wheneverfeasible,childrenshallbegivenopportunitiesforphysicalexercise,
sportsandoutdoorgames.
Section 25. Rights of Children Arrested for Reasons Related toArmed Conflict. Any child
whohasbeenarrestedforreasonsrelatedtoarmedconflict,eitherascombatant,courier,guideor
spyisentitledtothefollowingrights

(a)Separatedetentionfromadultsexceptwherefamiliesareaccommodatedasfamilyunits
(b)Immediatefreelegalassistance
(c)Immediatenoticeofsucharresttotheparentsorguardiansofthechildand
(d) Release of the child on recognizance within twentyfour (24) hours to the custody of the
DepartmentofSocial WelfareandDevelopmentor anyresponsiblememberof thecommunityas
determinedbythecourt.
Ifafterhearingtheevidenceintheproperproceedingsthecourtshouldfindthattheaforesaidchild
committedtheactschargedagainsthim,thecourtshalldeterminetheimposablepenalty,including
anycivilliabilitychargeableagainsthim.However,insteadofpronouncingjudgmentofconviction,
thecourtshallsuspendallfurtherproceedingsandshallcommitsuchchildtothecustodyorcare
oftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentortoanytraininginstitutionoperatedbythe
Government,ordulylicensedagenciesoranyotherresponsibleperson,untilhehashadreached
eighteen(18)yearsofageor,forashorterperiodasthecourtmaydeemproper,afterconsidering
the reports and recommendations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development or the
agencyorresponsibleindividualunderwhosecarehehasbeencommitted.
The aforesaid child shall subject to visitation and supervision by a representative of the
DepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentor anydulylicensedagencyorsuchotherofficer
asthecourtmaydesignatesubjecttosuchconditionsasitmayprescribe.
The aforesaid child whose sentence is suspended can appealfrom the order of the court in the
samemannerasappealsincriminalcases.
Section 26. Monitoring and Reporting of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict.The
chairman of the barangay affected by the armed conflict shall submit the names of children
residinginsaidbarangaytothemunicipalsocialwelfareanddevelopmentofficerwithintwentyfour
(24)hoursfromtheoccurrenceofthearmedconflict.
ARTICLEXI
RemedialProcedures

Section27.WhoMayFileaComplaint.Complaintsoncasesofunlawfulactscommittedagainst
thechildrenasenumeratedhereinmaybefiledbythefollowing:
(a)Offendedparty
(b)Parentsorguardians
(c)Ascendantorcollateralrelativewithinthethirddegreeofconsanguinity
(d)Officer,socialworkerorrepresentativeofalicensedchildcaringinstitution
(e)OfficerorsocialworkeroftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment
(f)Barangaychairmanor
(g)Atleastthree(3)concernedresponsiblecitizenswheretheviolationoccurred.
Section 28. Protective Custody of the Child.The offended party shall be immediately placed
under the protective custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development pursuant to
ExecutiveOrder No.56, seriesof 1986.In theregularperformance ofthis function,the officerof
theDepartment ofSocial Welfareand Developmentshallbe freefrom anyadministrative, civilor
criminal liability. Custody proceedings shall be in accordance with the provisions of Presidential
DecreeNo.603.
Section29.Confidentiality.Attheinstanceoftheoffendedparty,hisnamemaybewithheldfrom
thepublicuntilthecourtacquiresjurisdictionoverthecase.
Itshallbeunlawfulforanyeditor,publisher,andreporterorcolumnistincaseofprintedmaterials,
announcer orproducer incase oftelevision and radiobroadcasting, producerand directorof the
film in case of the movie industry, to cause undue and sensationalized publicity of any case of
violationofthisActwhichresultsinthemoraldegradationandsufferingoftheoffendedparty.
Section30. SpecialCourt Proceedings.Casesinvolving violationsof thisAct shallbe heardin
thechambers ofthe judgeof theRegional TrialCourt dulydesignated asJuvenile andDomestic
Court.

Any provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding and with the exception of habeas
corpus,electioncases,andcasesinvolvingdetentionprisonersandpersonscoveredbyRepublic
Act No. 4908, all courts shall give preference to the hearing or disposition of cases involving
violationsofthisAct.
ARTICLEXII
CommonPenalProvisions
Section31.CommonPenalProvisions.
(a)ThepenaltyprovidedunderthisActshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodiftheoffenderhas
beenpreviouslyconvictedunderthisAct
(b)Whentheoffenderisacorporation,partnershiporassociation,theofficeroremployeethereof
who is responsible for the violation of this Act shall suffer the penalty imposed in its maximum
period
(c)Thepenaltyprovidedhereinshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodwhentheperpetratorisan
ascendant, parent guardian, stepparent or collateral relative within the second degree of
consanguinity or affinity, or a manager or owner of an establishment which has no license to
operateoritslicensehasexpiredorhasbeenrevoked
(d) When theoffender is a foreigner, heshall be deported immediately afterservice of sentence
andforeverbarredfromentrytothecountry
(e)ThepenaltyprovidedforinthisActshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodiftheoffenderisa
publicofficeroremployee:Provided,however,Thatifthepenaltyimposedisreclusionperpetuaor
reclusiontemporal, thenthe penaltyofperpetual ortemporary absolutedisqualification shallalso
beimposed:Provided,finally,Thatifthepenaltyimposedisprisioncorreccionalorarrestomayor,
thepenaltyofsuspensionshallalsobeimposedand
(f)Afinetobe determinedbythecourtshallbeimposedandadministeredas acashfundbythe
Departmentof SocialWelfare andDevelopmentand disbursedforthe rehabilitationof eachchild
victim,oranyimmediatememberofhisfamilyifthelatteristheperpetratoroftheoffense.

ARTICLEXIII
FinalProvisions
Section 32. Rules and Regulations.Unless otherwise provided in thisAct, the Department of
Justice,incoordinationwiththeDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment,shallpromulgate
rulesandregulationsoftheeffectiveimplementationofthisAct.
Suchrulesandregulationsshalltakeeffectupontheirpublicationintwo(2)nationalnewspapersof
generalcirculation.
Section 33. Appropriations.The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act is
hereby authorized to be appropriated in the GeneralAppropriationsAct of the year following its
enactmentintolawandthereafter.
Section34.SeparabilityClause.IfanyprovisionofthisActisdeclaredinvalidorunconstitutional,
theremainingprovisionsnotaffectedtherebyshallcontinueinfullforceandeffect.
Section35.RepealingClause.Alllaws, decrees,orrulesinconsistent withtheprovisions ofthis
Actsareherebyrepealedormodifiedaccordingly.
Section36. EffectivityClause.ThisActshall take effectupon completionof its publicationin at
leasttwo(2)nationalnewspapersofgeneralcirculation.
Approved:June17,1992.
SHAREONSOCIALMEDIA
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