TodayisSunday,January22,2017

RepublicofthePhilippines
CongressofthePhilippines
MetroManila
FourteenthCongress
ThirdRegularSession
RepublicActNo.9775
ANACTDEFININGTHECRIMEOFCHILDPORNOGRAPHY,PRESCRIBINGPENALTIESTHEREFORAND
FOROTHERPURPOSES
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippinesinCongressassembled:
Section1.ShortTitle.ThisActshallbeknownasthe"AntiChildPornographyActof2009."
Section2.Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation building and shall
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, psychological and social wellbeing.
Towardsthisend,theStateshall:
(a)Guaranteethefundamentalrightsofeverychildfromallformsofneglect,crueltyandotherconditions
prejudicialtohis/herdevelopment
(b)Protecteverychildfromallformsofexploitationandabuseincluding,butnotlimitedto:
(1)theuseofachildinpornographicperformancesandmaterialsand
(2)theinducementorcoercionofachildtoengageorbeinvolvedinpornographythroughwhatever
meansand
(c)ComplywithinternationaltreatiestowhichthePhilippinesisasignatoryoraStatepartyconcerningthe
rightsofchildrenwhichinclude,butnotlimitedto,theConventionontheRightsoftheChild,theOptional
ProtocoltotheConventionontheRightsoftheChildoftheChildontheSaleofChildren,ChildProstitution
andChildPornography,theInternationalLaborOrganization(ILO)ConventionNo.182ontheEliminationof
theWorstFormsofChildLaborandtheConventionAgainstTransnationalOrganizedCrime.
Section3.DefinitionofTerms.
(a)"Child"referstoapersonbeloweighteen(18)yearsofageorover,butisunabletofullytakecareof
himself/herselffromabuse,neglect,cruelty,exploitationordiscriminationbecauseofa physical or mental
disabilityorcondition.
ForthepurposeofthisAct,achildshallalsoreferto:
(1)apersonregardlessofagewhoispresented,depictedorportrayedasachildasdefinedherein
and
(2) computergenerated, digitally or manually crafted images or graphics of a person who is
representedorwhoismadetoappeartobeachildasdefinedherein.
(b)"Childpornography"referstoanyrepresentation,whethervisual,audio,orwrittencombinationthereof,
byelectronic,mechanical,digital,optical,magneticoranyothermeans,ofchildengagedorinvolvedinreal
orsimulatedexplicitsexualactivities.
(c)"ExplicitSexualActivity"includesactualorsimulated
(1)Astoform:
(i)sexualintercourseorlasciviousactincluding,butnotlimitedto,contactinvolvinggenitaltogenital,
oraltogenital,analtogenital,ororaltoanal,whetherbetweenpersonsofthesameoroppositesex

(2)bestiality
(3)masturbation
(4)sadisticormasochisticabuse
(5)lasciviousexhibitionofthegenitals,buttocks,breasts,pubicareaand/oranusor
(6)useofanyobjectorinstrumentforlasciviousacts
(d)"Internetaddress"referstoawebsite,bulletinboardservice,internetchatroomornewsgroup,orany
otherinternetorsharednetworkprotocoladdress.
(e)"Internetcafeorkiosk"referstoanestablishmentthatoffersorproposestoofferservicestothepublic
for the use of its computer/s or computer system for the purpose of accessing the internet, computer
gamesorrelatedservices.
(f) "Internet content host" refers to a person who hosts or who proposes to host internet content in the
Philippines.
(g) "Internet service provider (ISP)" refers to a person or entity that supplies or proposes to supply, an
internetcarriageservicetothepublic.
(h)"Grooming"referstotheactofpreparingachildorsomeonewhotheoffenderbelievestobeachildfor
sexual activity or sexual relationship by communicating any form of child pornography. It includes online
enticementorenticementthroughanyothermeans.
(i) "Luring" refers to the act of communicating, by means of a computer system, with a child or someone
who the offender believes to be a child for the purpose of facilitating the commission of sexual activity or
productionofanyformofchildpornography.(2)Bestiality
(j)"Pandering"referstotheactofoffering,advertising,promoting,representingordistributingthroughany
meansanymaterialorpurportedmaterialthatisintendedtocauseanothertobelievethatthematerialor
purportedmaterialcontainsanyformofchildpornography,regardlessoftheactualcontentofthematerial
orpurportedmaterial.
(k)"Person"referstoanynaturalorjuridicalentity.
Section4.UnlawfulorProhibitedActs.Itshallbeunlawfulforanyperson:
(a)Tohire,employ,use,persuade,induceorcoerceachildtoperforminthecreationorproductionofany
formofchildpornography
(b)Toproduce,direct,manufactureorcreateanyformofchildpornography
(c) To publish offer, transmit, sell, distribute, broadcast, advertise, promote, export or import any form of
childpornography
(d) To possess any form of child pornography with the intent to sell, distribute, publish, or broadcast:
Provided. That possession of three (3) or more articles of child pornography of the same form shall be
primafacieevidenceoftheintenttosell,distribute,publishorbroadcast
(e)Toknowingly,willfullyandintentionallyprovideavenueforthecommissionofprohibitedactsas,butnot
limitedto,dens,privaterooms,cubicles,cinemas,housesorinestablishmentspurportingtobealegitimate
business
(f) For film distributors, theaters and telecommunication companies, by themselves or in cooperation with
otherentities,todistributeanyformofchildpornography
(g)Foraparent,legalguardianorpersonhavingcustodyorcontrolofachildtoknowinglypermitthechild
toengage,participateorassistinanyformofchildpornography
(h)Toengageintheluringorgroomingofachild
(i)Toengageinpanderingofanyformofchildpornography
(j)Towillfullyaccessanyformofchildpornography

(k)Toconspiretocommitanyoftheprohibitedactsstatedinthissection.Conspiracytocommitanyformof
childpornographyshallbecommittedwhentwo(2)ormorepersonscometoanagreementconcerningthe
commissionofanyofthesaidprohibitedactsanddecidetocommititand
(l)Topossessanyformofchildpornography.
Section5.SyndicatedChildPornographyThecrimeofchildpornographyisdeemedcommittedbyasyndicate
ifcarriedoutbyagroupofthree(3)ormorepersonsconspiringorconfederatingwithoneanotherandshallbe
punishedunderSection15(a)ofthisAct.
Section 6. Who May File a Complaint. Complaints on cases of any form of child pornography and other
offensespunishableunderthisActmaybefiledbythefollowing:
(a)Offendedparty
(b)Parentsorguardians
(c)Ascendantorcollateralrelativewithinthethirddegreeofconsanguinity
(d)Officer,socialworkerorrepresentativeofalicensedchildcaringinstitution
(e)OfficerorsocialworkeroftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment(DSWD)
(f)Localsocialwelfaredevelopmentofficer
(g)Barangaychairman
(h)Anylawenforcementofficer
(i)Atleastthree(3)concernedresponsiblecitizensresidingintheplacewheretheviolationoccurredor
(j)Anypersonwhohaspersonalknowledgeofthecircumstancesofthecommissionofanyoffenseunder
thisAct.
Section7.Appointment of Special Prosecutors. The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint or designate
specialprosecutorstoprosecutecasesfortheviolationofthisAct.
Section8.Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction over cases for the violation of this Act shall be vested in the Family Court
whichhasterritorialjurisdictionovertheplacewheretheoffenseoranyofitsessentialelementswascommitted
pursuanttoRepublicActNo.8369,otherwiseknownas"FamilyCourtsActof1997".
Section 9. Duties of an Internet Service Provider (ISP). All internet service providers (ISPs) shall notify the
PhilippineNationalPolice(PNP)ortheNationalBureauofInvestigation(NBI)withinseven(7)daysfromobtaining
factsandcircumstancesthatanyformofchildpornographyisbeingcommittedusingitsserverorfacility.Nothing
in this section may be construed to require an ISP to engage in the monitoring of any user, subscriber or
customer, or the content of any communication of any such person: Provided, That no ISP shall be held civilly
liablefordamagesonaccountofanynoticegiveningoodfaithincompliancewiththissection.
Furthermore, an ISP shall preserve such evidence for purpose of investigation and prosecution by relevant
authorities.
AnISPshall,upontherequestofproperauthorities,furnishtheparticularsofuserswhogainedorattemptedto
gainaccesstoaninternetaddresswhichcontainsanyformofchildpornography.
AllISPsshallinstallavailabletechnology,programorsoftwaretoensurethataccesstoortransmittalofanyform
ofchildpornographywillbeblockedorfiltered.
AnISPwhoshallknowingly,willfullyandintentionallyviolatethisprovisionshallbesubjecttothepenaltyprovided
underSection15(k)ofthisAct.
TheNationalTelecommunicationsCommission(NTC)shallpromulgatewithinninety(90)daysfromtheeffectivity
ofthisActthenecessaryrulesandregulationsfortheimplementationofthisprovisionwhichshallinclude,among
others, the installation of filtering software that will block access to or transmission of any form of the child
pornography.
Section10.ResponsibilityofMallOwners/OperatorsandOwnersorLessorsofOtherBusinessEstablishments.
Allmallowners/operatorsandownersorlessorsofotherbusinessestablishmentsshallnotifythePNPortheNBI
withinseven(7)daysfromobtainingfactsandcircumstancesthatchildpornographyisbeingcommittedintheir

premises. Provided, That public display of any form of child pornography within their premises is a conclusive
presumption of the knowledge of the mall owners/operators and owners or lessors of other business
establishmentsoftheviolationofthisAct:Provided,further,Thatadisputablepresumptionofknowledgebymall
owners/operatorsandownersorlessorsofotherbusinessestablishmentsshouldknoworreasonablyknowthata
violationofthisActisbeingcommittedintheirpremises.
Photo developers, information technology professionals, credit card companies and banks and any person who
hasdirectknowledgeofanyformofchildpornographyactivitiesshallhavethedutytoreportanysuspectedchild
pornographymaterialsortransactionstotheproperauthoritieswithinseven(7)daysfromdiscoverythereof.
AnywillfulandintentionalviolationofthisprovisionshallbesubjecttothepenaltyprovidedunderSection15(l)of
thisAct.
Section11.DutiesofanInternetContentHost.Aninternetcontenthostshall:
(a)Nothostanyformofchildpornographyonitsinternetaddress
(b)Withinseven(7)days,reportthepresenceofanyformofchildpornography,aswellastheparticulars
of the person maintaining, hosting, distributing or in any manner contributing to such internet address, to
theproperauthoritiesand
(c)Preservesuchevidenceforpurposesofinvestigationandprosecutionbyrelevantauthorities.
Aninternetcontenthostshall,upontherequestofproperauthorities,furnishtheparticularsofuserswhogained
orattemptedtogainaccesstoaninternetaddressthatcontainsanyformofchildpornography.
Aninternetcontenthostwhoshallknowingly,willfullyandintentionallyviolatethisprovisionshallbesubjecttothe
penaltyprovidedunderSection15(j)ofthisAct:Provided,Thatthefailureoftheinternetcontenthosttoremove
any form of child pornography within fortyeight (48) hours from receiving the notice that any form of child
pornographyishittingitsservershallbeconclusiveevidenceofwillfulandintentionalviolationthereof.
Section 12. Authority to Regulate Internet Caf or Kiosk. The local government unit (LGU) of the city or
municipality where an internet caf or kiosk is located shall have the authority to monitor and regulate the
establishmentandoperationofthesameorsimilarestablishmentsinordertopreventviolationoftheprovisions
ofthisAct.
Section13.Confidentiality.Therighttoprivacyofthechildshallbeensuredatanystageoftheinvestigation,
prosecutionandtrialofanoffenseunderthisAct.Towardsthisend,thefollowingrulesshallbeobserved:
(a) The judge, prosecutor or any officer of the law to whom the complaint has been referred to may,
whenevernecessarytoensureafairandimpartialproceedingandafterconsideringallcircumstancesfor
thebestinterestofthechildconductacloseddoorinvestigation,prosecutionortrial
(b)Thenameandpersonalcircumstancesofthechild,includingthechild'simmediatefamily,oranyother
informationtendingtoestablishhis/heridentityshallnotbedisclosedtothepublic
(c)Anyrecordregardingachildshallbeconfidentialandkeptunderseal.Exceptuponwrittenrequestand
orderofthecourt,arecordshallbereleasedonlytothefollowing:
(1)Membersofthecourtstaffforadministrativeuse
(2)Theprosecutingattorney
(3)Defensecounsel
(4)Theguardianadlitem
(5)Agentsofinvestigatinglawenforcementagenciesand
(6)Otherpersonsasdeterminedbythecourt.
(d)Anyformofchildpornographythatispartofthecourtrecordsshallbesubjecttoaprotectiveorderthat
providesasfollows:
(1) Any form of child pornography may be viewed only by the parties, their counsel, their expert
witnessandguardianadlitem

(2)Neitherformofchildpornographynoranyportionthereofshallbedivulgedtoanyotherperson,
exceptasnecessaryforinvestigation,prosecutionortrialand
(3)Nopersonshallbegrantedaccesstoanyformofchildpornographyoranypartthereofunless
he/shesignsawrittenaffirmationthathe/shehasreceivedandreadacopyoftheprotectionorder
that he/she submits to the jurisdiction of the court with respect to the protective order and that, in
caseofviolationthereof,he/shewillbesubjecttothecontemptpowerofthecourtand
(e)Incaseswhenprosecutionortrialisconductedbehindcloseddoors,itshallbeunlawfulforanyeditor,
publisherandreporterorcolumnistincaseofprintedmaterials,announcerorproducerincaseoftelevision
andradio,produceranddirectorofafilmincaseofthemovieindustry,oranypersonutilizingthetrimedia
facilities or information technology to publish or broadcast the names of the victims of any case of child
pornography.
AnyviolationofthisprovisionshallbesubjecttothepenaltyprovidedforunderSection15(m)ofthisAct.
Section14.Care, Custody and Treatment of a Child Victim. The DSWD shall ensure that the child who is a
victimofanyformofchildpornographyisprovidedappropriatecare,custodyandsupportfortheirrecoveryand
reintegrationinaccordancewithexistinglaws.
The child and his family shall be entitled to protection as well as to the rights and benefits of witnesses under
RepublicActNo.6981,otherwiseknownas"TheWitnessProtection,SecurityandBenefitAct".
ThechildshallalsobeconsideredasavictimofaviolentcrimedefinedunderSection3(d)ofRepublic Act No.
7309, otherwise known as "An Act Creating a Board of Claims under the Department of Justice for Victims of
UnjustImprisonmentorDetentionandVictimsofViolentCrimesandforOtherPurposes",sothatthechildmay
claimcompensationtherein.
Section15.PenaltiesandSanctions.Thefollowingpenaltiesandsanctionsareherebyestablishedforoffenses
enumeratedinthisAct:
(a)AnypersonfoundguiltyofsyndicatedchildpornographyasdefinedinSection5ofthisActshallsuffer
thepenaltyofreclusionperpetuaandafineofnotlessthanTwomillionpesos(Php2,000,000.00)butnot
morethanFivemillionpesos(Php5,000,000.00)
(b) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(a), (b) and (c) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of
reclusiontemporalinitsmaximumperiodandafineofnotlessthanOnemillionpesos(Php1,000,000.00)
butnotmorethanTwomillion(Php2,000,000.00)
(c) Any person found guilty of violating Section 4(d), (e) and (f) of this Act shall suffer the penalty of
reclusiontemporal in its medium period and a fine of not less than Seven hundred fifty thousand pesos
(Php750,000.00)butnotmorethanOnemillionpesos(Php1,000,000.00)
(d)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection4(g)ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofreclusiontemporal
in its minimum period and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not
morethanSevenhundredthousandpesos(Php700,000.00)
(e)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection4(h)ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayorinits
maximumperiodandafineofnotlessthanThreehundredthousandpesos(Php300,000.00)butnotmore
thanFivehundredthousandpesos(Php500,000.00)
(f)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection4(I)ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofprisionmayorinits
minimumperiodandafineofnotlessthanThreehundredthousandpesos(php300,000.00)butnotmore
thanFivehundredthousandpesos(Php500,000.00)
(g)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection4(j)ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofprisioncorreccional
initsmaximumperiodandafineofnotlessthanTwohundredthousandpesos(Php200,000.00)butnot
morethanThreehundredthousandpesos(Php300,000.00)
(h)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection4(k)ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofprisioncorreccional
in its medium period and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (php100,000.00) but not
morethanTwohundredfiftythousandpesos(php250,000.00)
(i)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection4(l)ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofarrestomayorinits
minimum period and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) but not more than One
hundredthousandpesos(Php100,000.00)

(j)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection11ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofprisioncorreccionalin
itsmediumperiodandafineofnotlessthanOnemillionpesos(Php1,000,000.00)butnotmorethanTwo
millionpesos(Php2,000,000.00)forthefirstoffense.Inthecaseofasubsequentoffense,thepenaltyshall
be a fine not less than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) but not more than Three million pesos
(Php3,000,000.00)andrevocationofitslicensetooperateandimmediateclosureoftheestablishment
(k) Any ISP found guilty of willfully and knowingly failing to comply with the notice and installation
requirements under Section 9 of this Act shall suffer the penalty of a fine of not less than Five hundred
thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) for the first
offense. In case of subsequent offense, the penalty shall be a fine of not less than One million pesos
(Php1,000,000.00)butnotmorethanTwomillionpesos(Php2,000,000.00)andrevocationofitslicenseto
operate
(l) Any mall owneroperator and owner or lessor of other business establishments including photo
developers,informationtechnologyprofessionals,creditcardcompaniesandbanks,foundguiltyofwillfully
and knowingly failing to comply with the notice requirements under Section 10 of this Act shall suffer the
penaltyofafineofnotlessthanOnemillionpesos(Php1,000,000.00)butnotmorethanTwomillionpesos
(Php2,000,000.00)forthefirstoffense.Inthecaseofasubsequentoffense,thepenaltyshallbeafineof
not less than Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00) but not more than Three million pesos
(Php3,000,000.00)andrevocationofitslicensetooperateandimmediateclosureoftheestablishmentand
(m)AnypersonfoundguiltyofviolatingSection13ofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyofarrestomayorinits
minimum period and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (Php100,000.00) but not more
thanThreehundredthousandpesos(Php300,000.00).
Section16.CommonPenalProvisions.
(a)Iftheoffenderisaparent,ascendant,guardian,stepparentorcollateralrelativewithinthethirddegree
of consanguinity or affinity or any person having control or moral ascendancy over the child, the penalty
provided herein shall be in its maximum duration Provided, That this provision shall not apply to Section
4(g)ofthisAct
(b) If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the owner, manager, partner,
memberoftheboardofdirectorsand/oranyresponsibleofficerwhoparticipatedinthecommissionofthe
crimeorshallhaveknowinglypermittedorfailedtopreventitscommissions
(c)Iftheoffenderisaforeigner,he/sheshallbeimmediatelydeportedafterthecompleteserviceofhis/her
sentenceandshallforeverbebarredfromenteringthecountryand
(d)ThepenaltyprovidedforinthisActshallbeimposedinitsmaximumdurationiftheoffenderisapublic
officeroremployee.
Section17.ConfiscationandForfeitureoftheProceeds,ToolsandInstrumentsUsedinChildPornography.In
additiontothepenaltyimposedfortheviolationofthisAct,thecourtshallordertheconfiscationandforfeiturein
favorofthegovernmentofalltheproceeds,toolsandinstrumentsusedinthecommissionofthecrime,unless
they are the property of a third person not liable for the unlawful act Provided, however, That all awards for
damagesshallbetakenfromthepersonalandseparatepropertiesoftheoffenderProvided,further,Thatifsuch
properties are insufficient, the deficiency shall be taken from the confiscated and forfeited proceeds, tools and
instruments.
Allproceedsderivedfromthesaleofpropertiesusedforthecommissionofanyformofchildpornographyshall
accruetothespecialaccountoftheDSWDwhichshallbeusedexclusivelyfortheimplementationofthisAct.
When the proceeds, tools and instruments used in the commission of the offense have been destroyed
diminishedinvalueorotherwiserenderedworthlessbyanyactoromission,directlyorindirectly,oftheoffender,
or it has been concealed, removed, converted or transferred to prevent the same from being found or to avoid
forfeiture or confiscation, the offender shall be ordered to pay the amount equal to the value of the proceeds,
toolsandinstrumentsusedinthecommissionoftheoffense.
1 a v v p h i1

Section 18. Mandatory Services to Victims of Child Pornography. To ensure recovery, rehabilitation and
reintegrationintothemainstreamofsocietyconcernedgovernmentagenciesandtheLGUsshallmakeavailable
thefollowingservicestovictimsofanyformofchildpornography:
(a)Emergencyshelterorappropriatehousing
(b)Counseling

(c)Freelegalservices,whichshallincludeinformationaboutthevictim'srightsandtheprocedureforfiling
of complaints, claims for compensation and such other legal remedies available to them in a language
understoodbythechild
(d)Medicalorpsychologicalservices
(e)Livelihoodandskillstrainingand
(f)Educationalassistance.
Sustained supervision and follow through mechanism that will track the progress of recovery, rehabilitation and
reintegrationofthechildvictimsshalladoptedandcarriedout.
Section 19. Programs for Victims of Child Pornography. The InterAgency Council Against Child Pornography
createdunderSection20ofthisActshalldevelopandimplementthenecessaryprogramsthatwillpreventany
formofchildpornography,aswellasprotect,healandreintegratethechildintothemainstreamofsociety.Such
programsshallincludebeatbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:
(a) Provision of mandatory services including counseling free legal services, medical or psychological
services,livelihoodandskillstrainingandeducationalassistancetothechildpursuanttoSection18ofthis
Act
(b)Sponsorshipofanationalresearchprogramonanyformofchildpornographyandotheractscovered
bythelawandtheestablishmentofadatacollectionsystemformonitoringandevaluationpurposes
(c)Provisionofnecessarytechnicalandmaterialsupportservicestoappropriategovernmentagenciesand
nongovernmentalorganizations:
(d)Sponsorshipofconferencesandseminarstoprovidevenueforconsensusbuildingamongstthepublic,
theacademe,government,nongovernmentalandinternationalorganizationsand
(e)Promotionofinformationandeducationcampaign.
Section 20. Inter Agency Council against Child Pornography. There is hereby established an InterAgency
Council against Child Pornography to be composed of the Secretary of the DSWD as chairperson and the
followingasmembers:
(a)SecretaryoftheDepartmentofJustice:
(b)SecretaryoftheDepartmentofLaborandEmployment
(c)SecretaryoftheDepartmentofScienceandTechnology
(d)ChiefofthePhilippineNationalPolice
(e)ChairpersonoftheCommissiononInformationandCommunicationsTechnology
(g)CommissioneroftheNationalTelecommunicationsCommission
(h)ExecutiveDirectoroftheCouncilfortheWelfareofChildren
(i)ExecutiveDirectorofthePhilippineCenterforTransnationalCrimes
(j)ExecutiveDirectoroftheOpticalMediaBoard
(k)DirectoroftheNationalBureauofInvestigationand
(l)Three(3) representatives from children's nongovernmental organizations. These representatives shall
benominatedbythegovernmentagencyrepresentativesoftheCouncilforappointmentby the President
for a term of three (3)years and may be renewed upon renomination and reappointment by the Council
andthePresidentrespectively.
The members of the Council mat designate their permanent representatives, who shall have a rank not lower
thanassistantsecretaryoritsequivalent,tomeetingsandshallreceiveemolumentsasmaybedeterminedbythe
Councilinaccordancewithexistingbudgetandaccountingrulesandregulations.
TheDSWDshallestablishthenecessarySecretariatfortheCouncil.
Section21.FunctionsoftheCouncil.TheCouncilshallhavethefollowingpowersandfunctions:

(a) Formulate comprehensive and integrated plans and programs to prevent and suppress any form of
childpornography
(b)PromulgaterulesandregulationsasmaybenecessaryfortheeffectiveimplementationofthisAct
(c)MonitorandoverseethestrictimplementationofthisAct
(d)Coordinatetheprogramsandprojectsofthevariousmembersagencieseffectivelyaddresstheissues
andproblemsattendanttochildpornography
(e)Conductandcoordinatemassiveinformationdisseminationsandcampaignontheexistenceofthelaw
andthevariousissuesandproblemsattendanttochildpornography
(f)Directotheragenciestoimmediatelyrespondtotheproblemsbroughttotheirattentionandreporttothe
Councilontheactiontaken
(g)Assistinthefillingofcasesagainstindividuals,agencies,institutionsorestablishmentsthatviolatethe
provisionsofthisAct
(h)Formulateaprogramforthereintegrationofvictimsofchildpornography
(i)Securefromanydepartment,bureau,office,agencyorinstrumentalityofthegovernmentorfromNGOs
andothercivicorganizationssuchassistanceasmaybeneededtoeffectivelyimplementthisAct
(j) Complement the shared government information system relative to child abuse and exploitation and
ensurethattheproperagenciesconductacontinuingresearchandstudyonthepatternsandschemesof
anyformofchildpornographywhichformbasisforpolicyformulationandprogramdirection
(k) develop the mechanism to ensure the timely, coordinated and effective response to cases of child
pornography
(l)Recommendmeasurestoenhancecooperativeeffortsandmutualassistanceamongforeigncountries
throughbilateraland/ormultilateralarrangementstopreventandsuppressanyformofchildpornography
(m) Adopt measures and policies to protect the rights and needs of the victims of child pornography who
areforeignnationalsinthePhilippines
(n)maintainadatabaseofcasesofchildpornography
(o)Initiatetrainingprogramsinidentifyingandprovidingthenecessaryinterventionorassistancetovictims
ofchildpornography.
(p)SubmittothePresidentandtheCongressionalOversightcommitteecreditedhereintheannualreport
onthepolicies,plans,programsandactivitiesoftheCouncilrelativetotheimplementationofthisActand
(q) Exercise all the powers and perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes and
objectivesofthisAct.
Section 22. Child Pornography as a Transnational Crime. Pursuant to the Convention on transnational
Organized Crime, the DOJ may execute the request of a foreign state for assistance in the investigation or
prosecutionofanyformofchildpornographyby:(1)conductingapreliminaryinvestigationagainsttheoffender
and,ifappropriate,tofilethenecessarychargesincourt(2)givinginformationneededbytheforeignstateand
(3)toapplyforanorderofforfeitureofanyproceedsormonetaryinstrumentorproperlylocatedinthePhilippines
usedinconnectionwithchildpornographyinthecourtProvided,ThatiftheDOJrefusestoactontherequestof
fordelayingtheexecutionthereof:Provided,further,Thattheprinciplesofmutualityandreciprocityshall,forthis
purpose,beatalltimesrecognized.
Section23.Extradition.TheDOJ,inconsultationwiththeDepartmentofForeignAffairs(DFA),shallendeavor
toincludechildpornographyamongextraditableoffensesinfuturetreaties.
Section24.CongressionalOversightCommittee.ThereisherebycreatedaCongressionalOversightCommittee
composed of five (5) members from the Senate and five (5) members from the House of Representatives. The
members from the Senate shall be appointed by the Senate President based on proportional representation of
the parties or coalition therein with at least one (1) member representing the Minority. The members from the
House of Representative shall be appointed by the Speaker, also based on proportional representation of the
partiesorcoalitionsthereinwiththeChairoftheHouseofCommitteeonWelfareofChildrenandatleastone(1)
memberrepresentingtheMinority

TheCommitteeshallbeheadedbytherespectiveChairsoftheSenateCommitteeonYouth,WomenandFamily
relations and the House of Representatives Committee on Justice. The Secretariat of the Congressional
OversightCommitteeshallcomefromtheexistingSecretariatpersonneloftheCommitteesoftheSenateandthe
HouseofRepresentativesconcerned.
TheCommitteeshallmonitorandensuretheeffectiveimplementationofthisAct,determine inherent weakness
andloopholesinthelaw.Recommendthenecessaryremediallegislatororadministrativemeasuresandperform
suchotherdutiesandfunctionsasmaybenecessarytoattaintheobjectivesofthisAct.
Section25.Appropriations.TheamountnecessarytoimplementtheprovisionsoftheAntiChildPornography
Act and the operationalization of the InterAgency Council Against Child Pornography shall be included in the
annualGeneralAppropriationsAct.
Section26.Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Inter Agency Council Against Child pornography shall
promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this
Act.
Section27.Suppletory Application of the Revised Penal Code. The Revised penal Code shall be suppletorily
applicabletothisAct.
Section28.SeparabilityClause.IfanypartofthisActisdeclaredunconstitutionalorinvalid,theotherprovisions
notaffectedtherebyshallcontinuetobeinfullforceandeffect.
Section29.RepealingClause.Alllaws,presidentialdecrees,executiveorders,administrativeorders,rulesand
regulationsinconsistentwithorcontrarytotheprovisionsofthisActaredeemedamended,modifiedorrepealed
accordingly.
Section30.Effectivity.ThisActshalleffectafterfifteen(15)daysfollowingitscompletepublicationintheOfficial
Gazetteorinatleasttwo(2)newspapersofgeneralcirculation.
Approved,
PROSPEROC.NOGRALES
SpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives

JUANPONCEENRILE
PresidentoftheSenate

ThisActwhichisaconsolidationofSenateBillNo.2317andHouseBillNo.6440wasfinallypassedbythe
SenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesonOctober13,2009.
MARILYNB.BARUAYAP
SecretaryGeneral
HouseoftheRepresentatives
Approved:November17,2009

Sgd.GLORIAMACAPAGALARROYO
PresidentofthePhilippines
TheLawphilProjectArellanoLawFoundation

EMMALIRIOREYES
SecretaryoftheSenate