Philippine laws that protect children online
A plain-language summary of the Philippine laws that protect children online, from the Anti-OSAEC Act and Anti-Bullying Act to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
- RA 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act) is the main law against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
- RA 10627 (Anti-Bullying Act) requires schools to address bullying, including cyberbullying.
- Other key laws cover cybercrime, voyeurism, online sexual harassment, privacy, SIM registration and account scams.
Several Philippine laws protect children online. This summary is for general information, not legal advice. For a specific case, speak to a lawyer, the Public Attorney's Office, or the agencies listed at the end.
Sexual abuse and exploitation
RA 11930: Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act (2022)
The Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act is the main law against online sexual abuse of children. It:
- Defines and penalises OSAEC and child sexual abuse or exploitation material (CSAEM)
- Covers grooming, livestreamed abuse, sextortion and producing, possessing or sharing CSAEM
- Applies to facilitators, including parents and relatives
- Requires internet providers, platforms, payment companies and others to block, remove, report and preserve evidence
- Created a National Coordination Center against OSAEC
RA 9775: Anti-Child Pornography Act (2009)
The earlier law against child sexual abuse material, strengthened by RA 11930.
RA 7610: Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (1992)
A broad law protecting children from abuse and exploitation.
RA 11648 (2022)
Raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16.
Bullying
RA 10627: Anti-Bullying Act (2013)
Requires elementary and secondary schools, public and private, to adopt anti-bullying policies covering cyberbullying, with procedures for reporting and responding. See the Anti-Bullying Act and your child's school.
Cybercrime and harassment
RA 10175: Cybercrime Prevention Act (2012)
Covers crimes committed through computers and the internet, including illegal access, identity theft, cybersex offences, online child sexual abuse material and online libel.
RA 11313: Safe Spaces Act (2019)
Penalises gender-based sexual harassment, including online: unwanted sexual remarks, threats, sharing of photos without consent, and stalking online.
RA 9995: Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (2009)
Prohibits taking, copying or sharing photos or videos of a person's private parts or sexual acts without consent.
RA 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (2004)
Covers psychological violence, including harassment through electronic means, against women and their children.
Privacy, SIMs and money
RA 10173: Data Privacy Act (2012)
Governs how organisations collect and use personal information, including children's. The National Privacy Commission enforces it.
RA 11934: SIM Registration Act (2022)
Requires SIMs to be registered. SIMs used by minors are registered under a parent's or guardian's name.
RA 12010: Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (2024)
Penalises financial account scams, including acting as a "money mule" by lending, selling or allowing others to use your bank or e-wallet account. See scams that target kids.
Children in conflict with the law
RA 9344: Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (2006), as amended
Sets the minimum age of criminal responsibility at 15. Children under 15, and those 15 to 17 who acted without discernment, are exempt from criminal liability but go through intervention programmes. This matters when children harm others online.
Where to report
- 911 for emergencies
- CICC hotline 1326
- PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and Women and Children Protection Center
- NBI Cybercrime Division
- National Privacy Commission for privacy violations
- DepEd for school bullying issues
See how to report online child abuse.
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