RepublicofthePhilippines CongressofthePhilippines MetroManila

FifthRegularSession

BegunandheldinMetroManilaonMonday,thetwentyseconddayofJuly,NineteenHundredandNinetyOne. REPUBLICACTNO.7610 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER DETERRENCE AND SPECIAL PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATIONANDDISCRIMINATION,PROVIDINGPENALTIESFORITSVIOLATION,ANDFOROTHERPURPOSES BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippinesinCongressassembled: ARTICLE1 Title,Policy,PrinciplesandDefinitionofTerms SECTION1. Title.Thisactshallbeknownasthe"SpecialProtectionofChildrenAgainstChildAbuse,Exploitation andDiscriminationAct." SEC.2. DeclarationofStatePolicyandPrinciples.ItisherebydeclaredtobethepolicyoftheStatetoProvide specialprotectiontochildrenfromallformsofabuse,neglect,cruelty,exploitationanddiscrimination,andotherconditions prejudicial to their development; provide sanctions for their commission and carry out a program for prevention and deterrenceofandcrisisinterventioninsituationsofchildabuse,exploitationanddiscrimination.TheStateshallintervene onbehalfofthechildwhentheparent,guardian,teacherorpersonhavingcareorcustodyofthechildfailsorisunableto protectthechildagainstabuse,exploitationanddiscriminationorwhensuchactsagainstthechildarecommittedbythe saidparent,guardian,teacherorpersonhavingcareandcustodyofthesame. ItshallbethepolicyoftheStatetoprotectandrehabilitatechildrengravelythreatenedorendangeredbycircumstances whichaffectorwillaffecttheirsurvivalandnormaldevelopmentandoverwhichtheyhavenocontrol. Thebestinterestsofchildrenshallbetheparamountconsiderationinallactionsconcerningthem,whetherundertaken bypublicorprivatesocialwelfareinstitutions,courtsoflaw,administrativeauthorities,andlegislativebodies,consistent withtheprincipleofFirstCallforChildrenasenunciatedintheUnitedNationsConventionontheRightsoftheChild.Every effortshallbeexertedtopromotethewelfareofchildrenandenhancetheiropportunitiesforausefulandhappylife. SEC.3.DefinitionofTerms. (a) "Children"referstopersons below eighteen(18)yearsofageorthoseover butareunabletofullytakecareof themselvesorprotectthemselvesfromabuse,neglect,cruelty,exploitationordiscriminationbecauseofaphysical mentaldisabilityorcondition; (b)"ChildAbuse"referstothemaltreatment,whetherhabitualornot,ofthechildwhichincludesanyofthefollowing: 1. 2. 3. Psychological and physical abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment; Any act by deeds or words which debases, degrades or demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of a child as a human being; Unreasonable deprivation of his basic needs for survival such as food and shelter; or

4. Failure to immediately give medical treatment to an injured child resulting in serious impairment of his growth and development or in his permanent incapacity or death. (c)"Circumstanceswhichgravelythreatenorendangerthesurvivalandnormaldevelopmentofchildren"include,butare notlimitedto,thefollowing:

1. 2.

Being in a community where there is armed conflict or being affected by armed conflict-related activities; Working under conditions hazardous to life, safety and morals which unduly interfere with their normal development;

3. Living in or fending for themselves in the streets of urban or rural areas without the care of parents or a guardian or any adult supervision needed for their welfare; 4. Being a member of an indigenous cultural community and/or living under conditions of extreme poverty or in an area which is undeveloped and/or lack or has inadequate access to basic services needed for a good quality of life; 5. Being a victim of a man-made or natural disaster calamity; or 6. Circumstances analogous to those above stated which endanger life, safety or normal development of children. (d)"Comprehensiveprogramagainstchildexploitationanddiscrimination"referstothecoordinatedprogramofservices andfacilitiestoprotectchildrenagainst: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Child prostitution and other sexual abuse; Child trafficking; Obscene publications and indecent shows; Other acts of abuse; and Circumstances which threaten or endanger the survival and normal development of children. ARTICLEII ProgramonChildAbuse,ExploitationandDiscrimination SEC.4.FormulationoftheProgram.ThereshallbeacomprehensiveprogramtobeformulatedbytheDepartmentof Justice and Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with other government agencies and private sectorconcerned,withinone(1)yearfromtheeffectivityofthisAct,toprotectchildrenagainstchildprostitutionandother sexual abuse; child trafficking, obscene publications andindecent shows; other acts ofabuse; andcircumstances which endangersurvivalandnormaldevelopment. ARTICLEIII ChildProstitutionandOtherSexualAbuse SEC.5.ChildProstitutionandOtherSexualAbuse.Children,whethermaleorfemale,whoformoney,profit,orany otherconsiderationorduetothecoercionorinfluenceofanyadult,syndicateorgroup,indulgeinsexualintercourseor lasciviousconduct,aredeemedtobechildrenexploitedinprostitutionandothersexualabuse. Thepenaltyofreclusiontemporalinitsmediumperiodtoreclusionperpetuashallbeimposeduponthefollowing: (a) Thosewhoengageinorpromote,facilitiesorinducechildprostitutionwhichinclude,butarenotlimitedto,the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Acting as a procurer of a child prostitute; Inducing a person to b e a client of a child prostitute by means of written or oral advertisements or other similar means; Taking advantage of influence or relationship to procure a child as a prostitute; Threatening or using violence towards a child to engage him as a prostitute; or Giving monetary consideration, goods or other pecuniary benefit to a child with the intent to engage such child in prostitution. (b) Those whocommittheactofsexualintercourseorlasciviousconduct withachildexploitedinprostitutionor subjectedtoothersexualabuse:Provided,Thatwhenthevictimisundertwelve(12)yearsofage,theperpetrators shallbeprosecutedunderArticle335,paragraph3,forrapeandArticle336ofActNo.3815,asamended,the RevisedPenalCode,forrapeorlasciviousconduct,asthecasemaybe:Provided,Thatthepenaltyforlascivious conductwhenthevictimisundertwelve(12)yearsofageshallbereclusiontemporalinitsmediumperiod;and (c) Those whoderiveprofitoradvantagetherefrom,whetherasmanagerorowneroftheestablishment wherethe prostitutiontakesplace,orofthesauna,disco,bar,resort,placeofentertainmentorestablishmentservingasa cover orwhichengagesinprostitutioninadditiontotheactivityforwhichthelicensehasbeenissuedtosaid establishment. SEC. 6. Attempt to Commit Prostitution. There is an attempt to commit child prostitution under Section 5, paragraph(a)hereofwhenanypersonwho,notbeingarelativeofachild,isfoundalonewiththesaidchildinsidetheroom orcubicleofahouse,aninn,hotel,motel,pensionhouse,apartelleorothersimilarestablishments,vessels,vehicleorany

otherhiddenorsecludedareaundercircumstanceswhichwouldleadareasonablepersontobelievethatthechildisaboutto beexploitedinprostitutionandothersexualabuse. There isalsoanattempttocommitchild prostitution,under paragraph(b)of Section 5hereof whenanyperson is receivingservicesfromachildinasaunaparlororbath,massageclinic,healthclubandothersimilarestablishments.A penaltylowerbytwo(2)degreesthanthatprescribedfortheconsummatedfelonyunderSection5hereofshallbeimposed upontheprincipalsoftheattempttocommitthecrimeofchildprostitutionunderthisActor,inthepropercase,underthe RevisedPenalCode. ARTICLEIV. ChildTrafficking SEC. 7. Child Trafficking. Any person who shallengage in trading and dealing with children including, but not limitedto,theactofbuyingandsellingofachildformoney,orforanyotherconsideration,orbarter,shallsufferthepenalty of reclusiontemporal to reclusionperpetua. Thepenaltyshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodwhenthevictimisunder twelve(12)yearsofage. SEC.8. AttempttoCommitChildTrafficking.ThereisanattempttocommitchildtraffickingunderSection7of thisAct: (a) Whenachildtravelsalonetoaforeigncountrywithoutvalidreasonthereforandwithoutclearanceissuedbythe DepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentorwrittenpermitorjurisdictionfromthechild'sparentsorlegal guardian; (b) Whenapregnantmotherexecutesanaffidavitofconsentforadoptionforaconsideration; (c) Whenaperson,agency,establishmentorchildcaringinstitutionrecruitswomenorcouplestobearchildrenfor thepurposeofchildtrafficking; (d) When a doctor, hospital or clinic official or employee, nurse, midwife, local civil registrar or any other person simulatesbirthforthepurposeofchildtrafficking;or (e) Whenapersonengagesintheactoffindingchildrenamonglowincomefamilies,hospitals,clinics,nurseries,day carecenters,orotherchildcaringinstitutionswhocanbeofferedforthepurposeofchildtrafficking. Apenaltylowerbytwo(2)degreesthanthatprescribedfortheconsummatedfelonyunderSection7hereofshallbe imposedupontheprincipalsoftheattempttocommitchildtraffickingunderthisAct. ARTICLEV. ObscenePublicationandIndecentShows SEC.9. ObscenePublicationsandIndecentShows.Anypersonwhoshallhire,employ,use,persuade,induceor coerceachildtoperforminobsceneexhibitionsandindecentshows,whetherliveorinvideo,pose,ormodelinobscene publicationsorpornographicmaterialsortosellordistributethesaidmaterialsshallsufferthepenaltyofprisonmayorinits mediumperiod. Ifthechildusedasaperformer,subjectorseller/distributorisbelow twelve(12)yearsofage,thepenaltyshallbe imposedinitsmaximumperiod. Anyascendant,guardianorpersonentrustedinanycapacitywiththecareofachildwhoshallcauseand/orallowsuch childtobeemployedortoparticipateinanobsceneplayscene,act,movieorshoworinanyotheractscoveredbythis sectionshallsufferthepenaltyofprisonmayorinitsmediumperiod.

ARTICLEVI. OtherActsofAbuse SEC.10.OtherActsofNeglect,Abuse,CrueltyorExploitationandOtherConditionsPrejudicialtotheChild's Development. (a) Anypersonwhoshallcommitanyotheractsofchildabuse,crueltyorexploitationorberesponsibleforother conditionsprejudicialtothechild'sdevelopmentincludingthosecoveredbyArticle59ofthePresidentialDecree No.603,asamended,butnotcoveredoftheRevisedPenalCode,asamended,butnotcoveredbytheRevised PenalCode,asamended,shallsufferthepenaltyofprisonmayorinitsminimumperiod. (b) Anypersonwhoshallkeeporhaveinhiscompanyaminor,twelve(12)yearsorunderorwhoisten(10)yearsor morehisjuniorinanypublicorprivateplace,hotel,motel,beerjoint,discotheque,cabaret,pensionhouse,sauna ormassageparlor,beachand/orothertouristresortorsimilarplacesshallsufferthepenaltyofprisonmayorinits maximumperiodandafineofnotlessthanfiftythousandpesos(P50,000.00):Provided,Thatthisprovisionshall notapplytoanypersonwhoisrelatedwithinthefourthdegreeofconsanguinityoraffinityoranybondrecognized bylaw,localcustomandtradition,oractsintheperformanceofasocial,moralorlegalduty. (c) Anypersonwhoshallinduce, deliver oroffer aminor toanyoneprohibited bythisActtokeep orhaveinhis companyaminorasprovidedintheprecedingparagraphshallsufferthepenaltyofprisonmayor initsmedium periodandafineofnotlessthanfortythousandpesos(P40,000):Provided,however,Thatshouldtheperpetrator beanascendant,stepparentorguardianoftheminor;thepenaltytobeimposedshallbeaprisonmayorinits maximumperiod,afineofnotlessthanfiftythousandpesos(P50,000)andthelossofparentalauthorityoverthe minor. (d) Anyperson,owner,manageroroneentrustedwiththeoperationofanypublicorprivateplaceofaccommodation, whetherforoccupancy,food,drinkorotherwise,includingresidentialplaces,whoallowsanypersontotakealong with him to such place or places any minor herein described shall imposed a penalty of Prison Mayor in its mediumperiodandafineofnotlessthanfiftythousandpesos(P50,000),andthelossoflicensetooperatesucha placeofestablishment. (e) Anypersonwhoshalluse,coerce,forceorintimidateastreetchildoranyotherchildto: (1) (2) (3) Beg or use begging as a means of living; Acts as conduit or middlemen indrug trafficking or pushing; or Conduct any illegal activities, shall suffer the penalty of prison correccional in its medium period to reclusion perpetua. ForpurposesofthisActthepenaltyforthecommissionofactspunishableunderArticles248,249,262,paragraph2, and263,forthecrimesofmurder,homicide,otherintentionalmutilation,andaseriousphysicalinjuries,respectively,shall bereclusionperpetuawhenthevictimisundertwelve(12)yearsofage.ThepenaltyforthecommissionofActspunishable under Article 337, 339, 340 and 341 of Act No. 3815, asamended, the Revised Penal Code, for the crimes of qualified seduction, acts of lasciviousness with the consent of the offended party, corruption of minors, and white slave trade, respectivelyshallbeone(1)degreehigherthanthatimposedbylawwhenthevictimisundertwelve(12)yearsofage. ThevictimoftheactscommittedunderthissectionshallbeentrustedtothecareoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare andDevelopment. ARTICLEVII. SanctionsforEstablishmentsorEnterprises Section11.SanctionsforEstablishmentsorEnterpriseswhichPromote,Facilitate,orConductActivitiesConstituting ChildProstitutionandOtherSexualAbuse,ChildTrafficking,ObscenePublicationsandIndecentShows,andOtherActsof Abuse. All establishments and enterprises which promote or facilitate child prostitution and other sexual abuse, child trafficking,obscenepublicationsandindecentshows,andotheractsofabuseshallbeimmediatelyclosedandtheirauthority

orlicensetooperatecancelledwithoutprejudicetotheownerormanagerthereofbeingprosecutedunderthisActand/orthe RevisedPenalCode,asamended,orspeciallaws.Asignwiththewords"offlimits"shallbeconspicuouslydisplayedoutside theestablishmentsorenterprisesbytheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentforsuchperiodwhichshallnotbe lessthanone(1)year,asthedepartmentmaydetermine.Theunauthorizedremovalofsuchsignshallbepunishableby prisoncorrectional. Anestablishmentshallbedeemedtopromoteorfacilitatechildprostitutionandothersexualabuse,childtrafficking, obscenepublicationsandindecentshows,andotheractsofabuseiftheactsconstitutingthesameoccurinthepremisesof saidestablishmentunderthisActorinviolationoftheRevisedPenalCode,asamended.Anenterprisesuchasasauna, travelagency,orrecruitmentagencywhich:promotetheaforementionedactaspartofatourforforeigntouristsexhibits childreninalewdorindecentshows;provideschildmasseursforadultsofthesameoroppositesexandsaidservicesinclude anylascivious conductwiththecustomer;orsolicitschildren for activitiesconstitutingtheaforementionedactsshallbe deemedtohavecommittedtheactspenalizedherein. ARTICLEVIII WorkingChildren Section12.EmploymentofChildren.Childrenbelowfifteen(15)yearsofagemaybeemployed: Provided,Thatthe followingminimumrequirementsarepresent; (a) TheemployershallsecureforthechildaworkpermitfromtheDepartmentofLaborandEmployment; (b) Theemployershallensuretheprotection,health,safety,andmoralsofthechild; (c) Theemployershallinstitutemeasurestopreventexploitationordiscriminationtakingintoaccountthesystemandlevelofremuneration,andthe durationandarrangementofworkingtime;and (d)Theemployershallformulateandimplementacontinuousprogramfortrainingandskillacquisitionofthechild. The Department of Labor and Employment shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementationofthissection. SEC. 13. Nonformal Education for Working Children.The Department of Education, 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 undergone or finished elementary or secondary education. Such coursedesignshallintegratethelearningprocessdeemedmosteffectiveundergivencircumstances. SEC.14. ProhibitionontheEmploymentofChildreninCertainAdvertisements.Nopersonshallemploychild modelinallcommercialsoradvertisementspromotingalcoholicbeverages,intoxicatingdrinks,tobacco,anditsbyproducts, andviolence. SEC. 15. DutyofEmployer.Every employer shallcomply withthedutiesprovidedforinArticles108and109of PresidentialDecreeNo.603. SEC.16.Penalties.AnypersonwhoshallviolateanyprovisionofthisArticleshallsufferthepenaltyofafineofnot lessthanOnethousandpesos(P1,000)butnotmorethanTenthousandpesos(P10,000)orimprisonmentofnotlessthan three(3)monthsbutnotmorethanthree(3)years,orbothatthediscretionofthecourt:Provided,Thatincaseofrepeated violationoftheprovisionofthisArticle,theoffender'slicensetooperateshallberevoked. ARTICLEIX ChildrenofIndigenousCulturalCommunities

SEC.17.Survival,ProtectionandDevelopment.InadditiontotherightsguaranteedtochildrenunderthisActand otherexistinglaws,childrenofindigenouscommunitiesshallbeentitledtoprotection,survivalanddevelopmentconsistent withthecustomsandtraditionsoftheirrespectivecommunities. SEC.18.SystemofandAccesstoEducation.TheDepartmentofEducation,CultureandSportsshalldevelopand instituteanalternativesystemofeducationforchildrenofindigenousculturalcommunitieswhichisculturespecificand relevanttotheneedsandtheexistingsituationintheircommunities. TheDepartmentofEducation,CultureandSports shall also accredit and support nonformal but functional indigenous educational conducted by nongovernmental organizationinsaidcommunities. SEC.19.HealthandNutrition.Thedeliveryofbasicsocialservicesinhealthandnutritiontochildrenofindigenous culturalcommunitiesshallbegivenprioritybyallgovernmentagenciesconcerned.Hospitalsandotherhealthinstitutions shall ensurethat children ofindigenous culturalcommunities aregivenequalattention. Intheprovision ofhealthand nutrition services to children of indigenous cultural communities, indigenous health practices shall be respected and recognized. SEC.20.Discrimination.Childrenofindigenousculturalcommunitiesshallnotbesubjectedtoanyandallformsof discrimination. Any personwhodiscriminatesagainstchildrenofindigenousculturalcommunitiesshallsufferapenaltyof arresto mayorinitsmaximumperiodandafineofnotlessthanFivethousandpesos(P5,000)normorethanTenthousandpesos (P10,000). SEC.21.Participation.Indigenousculturalcommunities,throughtheirdulydesignatedorappointedrepresentatives shallbeinvolveinplanning,decisionmaking,implementation,andevaluationofallgovernmentprogramsaffectingchildren ofindigenousculturalcommunities.Indigenousinstitutionsshallalsoberecognizedandrespected. ARTICLEX ChildreninSituationsofArmedConflict SEC.22.ChildrenasZonesofPeace.ChildrenareherebydeclaredasZonesofPeace.Itshallbetheresponsibility oftheStateandallothersectorsconcernedtoresolvearmedconflictinordertopromotethegoalofchildrenaszonesof peace.Toattainthisobjective,thefollowingpoliciesshallbeobserved: (a)Childrenshallnotbetheobjectofattackandshallbeentitledtospecialrespect.Theyshallbeprotectedfromany formofthreat,assault,tortureorothercruel,inhumaneordegradingtreatment; (b) ChildrenshallnotberecruitedtobecomemembersoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippinesoritscivilianunitsor otherarmedgroups,norbeallowedtotakepartinthefighting,orusedasguides,couriers,orspies; (c) Delivery of basic social services such aseducation, primary health and emergency relief services shall be kept unhampered; (d)Thesafetyandprotectionofthosewhoprovideservicesincludingthoseinvolvedinfactfindingmissionsfromboth governmentandnongovernmentinstitutionsshallbeensured.Theyshallnotbesubjectedtoundueharassment intheperformanceoftheirwork; (e) Publicinfrastructuresuchasschools,hospitalsandruralhealthunitsshallnotbeutilizedformilitarypurposes suchascommandposts,barracks,detachments,andsupplydepots;and (f) Allappropriatestepsshallbetakentofacilitatethereunionoffamiliestemporarilyseparatedduetoarmedconflict.

SEC.23. EvacuationofChildrenDuringArmedConflict.Childrenshallbegivenpriorityduringevacuationasa resultofarmedconflict.Existingcommunityorganizationsshallbetappedtolookafterthesafetyandwellbeingofchildren during evacuation operations. Measures shall be taken to ensure that children evacuated are accompanied by persons responsiblefortheirsafetyandwellbeing. SEC.24. FamilyLifeandTemporaryShelter.Wheneverpossible,membersofthesamefamilyshallbehousedin thesamepremisesandgivenseparateaccommodationfrom other evacueesandprovidedwithfacilitiestoleadanormal familylife.Inplacesoftemporaryshelter,expectantandnursingmothersandchildren shallbegivenadditionalfoodin proportiontotheirphysiologicalneeds.Wheneverfeasible,childrenshallbegivenopportunitiesforphysicalexercise,sports andoutdoorgames. SEC.25.RightsofChildrenArrestedforReasonsRelatedtoArmedConflict.Anychildwhohasbeenarrestedfor reasonsrelatedtoarmedconflict,eitherascombatant,courier,guideorspyisentitledtothefollowingrights: (a) Separatedetentionfromadultsexceptwherefamiliesareaccommodatedasfamilyunits; (b) Immediatefreelegalassistance; (c) Immediatenoticeofsucharresttotheparentsorguardianofthechild;and (d) Release ofthechildonrecognizance withintwentyfour(24)hourstothecustody of theDepartmentofSocial WelfareandDevelopmentoranyresponsiblememberofthecommunityasdeterminedbythecourt. Ifafterhearingtheevidenceintheproperproceedings,thecourtshouldfindthattheaforesaidchildhascommittedthe actschargedagainsthim,thecourtshalldeterminetheimposablepenalty,includinganycivilliabilitychargeableagainst him.However,insteadofpronouncingjudgementofconviction,thecourtshallsuspendallfurtherproceedingsandshall commitsuchchildtothecustodyorcareoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentortoanytraininginstitution operatedbytheGovernment,ordulylicensedagenciesoranyotherresponsibleperson,untilhehashadreachedeighteen (18)yearsofageorforashorterperiodasthecourtmaydeemproper,afterconsideringthereportsandtherecommendations oftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentortheagencyorresponsibleindividualunderwhosecarehehasbeen committed. TheaforesaidchildshallbesubjecttovisitationandsupervisionbyarepresentativeoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfare andDevelopmentoranydulylicensedagencyorsuchotherofficerasthecourtmaydesignatesubjecttosuchconditionasit mayprescribe. Theaforesaidchildwhosesentenceissuspendedcanappealfromtheorderofthecourtinthesamemannerasappeals incriminalcases. SEC.26.MonitoringandReportingofChildreninSituationsofArmedConflict.Thechairmanofthebarangay affectedbythearmedconflictshallsubmitthenamesofchildrenresidinginsaidbarangaytothemunicipalsocialwelfare anddevelopmentofficerwithintwentyfour(24)hoursfromtheoccurrenceofthearmedconflict. ARTICLEXI RemedialProcedures SEC. 27. Who May File a Complaint. Complaints on cases of unlawful acts committed against children as enumeratedhereinmaybefiledthefollowing: (a) Offendedparty; (b) Parentsorguardians; (c) Ascendantorcollateralrelativewithinthethirddegreeofconsanguinity;

(d) Officer,socialworkerorrepresentativeofalicensedchildcaringinstitution; (e) OfficerorsocialworkeroftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopment; (f) Barangaychairman;or

(g) Atleastthree(3)concerned,responsiblecitizenswheretheviolationoccurred. SEC. 28. Protective Custody ofthe Child.Theoffended partyshallbeimmediatelyplacedundertheproductive custodyoftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentpursuanttoExecutiveOrderNo.56,seriesof1986.Inthe regularperformanceofthisfunction,theofficeroftheDepartmentofSocialWelfareandDevelopmentshallbefreefromany administrative, civil or criminal liability. Custody proceedings shall be in accordance with the provisions of Presidential DecreeNo.603. SEC.29.Confidentiality.Attheinstanceoftheoffendedparty,hisnamemaybewitheldfromthepublic,untilthe courtacquiresjurisdictionoverthecase. Itshallbeunlawfulfor anyeditor,publisher, andreporterorcolumnistincaseofprintedmaterials,announcer or producerincaseoftelevisionandradiobroadcasting,produceranddirectorofthefilmincaseofthemovieindustry,tocause undueandsensationalizedpublicityofanycaseofviolationofthisActwhichresultsinthemoraldegradationandsuffering oftheoffendedparty. SEC.30. SpecialCourtProceedings.Casesinvolving violationsofthisActshallbeheardinthechambersofthe judgeoftheRegionalTrialCourtdulydesignatedasJuvenileandDomesticRelationsCourt. Anyprovisionofexistinglawtothecontrarynotwithstandingandwiththeexceptionofhabeascorpus,electioncases, andcasesinvolvingdetentionprisonersandpersonscoveredbyRepublicActNo.4908,allcourtsshallgivepreferencetothe hearingordispositionofcasesinvolvingviolationsofthisAct. ARTICLEXII CommonPenalProvisions SEC.31.CommonPenalProvisions. (a) ThepenalprovidedunderthisActshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodiftheoffender hasbeenpreviously convictedunderthisAct; (b) Whentheoffenderisacorporation,partnershiporassociation,theofficeroremployeethereofwhoisresponsible fortheviolationofthisActshallsufferthepenaltyimposedinitsmaximumperiod; (c) Thepenaltyprovidedhereinshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodwhentheperpetratorisanascendant,parent, guardian,stepparentorcollateralrelativewithintheseconddegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity,oramanageror ownerofanestablishmentwhichhasnolicensetooperateoritslicensehasexpiredorhasbeenrevoked; (d) Whentheoffenderisaforeigner,heshallbedeportedimmediatelyafterserviceofsentenceandforeverbarredfrom entrytothecountry; (e) ThepenaltyprovidedforinthisActshallbeimposedinitsmaximumperiodiftheoffenderisapublicofficeror employee: Provided,however, That if the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or reclusion temporal, then the penaltyoftheperpetualortemporaryabsolutedisqualificationshallalsobeimposed:Provided,finally,Thatifthe penaltyimposedisprisoncorrectionalorarrestomayor,thepenaltyofsuspensionshallalsobeimposed;and (f) AfinetobedeterminedbythecourtshallbeimposedandadministeredasacashfundbytheDepartmentofSocial WelfareandDevelopmentanddisbursedfortherehabilitationofeachchildvictim,oranyimmediatememberofhis familyifthelatteristheperpetratoroftheoffense.

ARTICLEXIII FinalProvisions SEC.32. RulesandRegulations.UnlessotherwiseprovidedinthisAct,theDepartmentofJustice,incoordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementationofthisAct. Such rules and regulations shall take effect upon their publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulations. SEC.33. Appropriations.TheamountnecessarytocarryouttheprovisionsofthisActisherebyauthorizedtobe appropriatedintheGeneralAppropriationsActoftheyearfollowingitsenactmentintolawandthereafter. SEC. 34. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisionsnotaffectedtherebyshallcontinueinfullforceandeffort. SEC.35.RepealingClause.Alllaws,decrees,orrulesinconsistentwiththeprovisionofthisActareherebyrepealed ormodifiedaccordingly. SEC. 36. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect upon completion of its publication in at least (2) national newspapersofgeneralcirculation.

Approved,

(Sgd.)NeptaliA.Gonzales PresidentoftheSenate

(Sgd.)RamonV.Mitra Speakerofthe HouseofRepresentatives

ThisActwhichisaconsolidationofHouseBillNos.6946,29431,35354andSenateBillNo.1209wasfinallypassedby theHouseofRepresentativesandtheSenateonFebruary7,1992

(Sgd.)AnacletoD.Badoy,Jr. SecretaryoftheSenate

(Sgd.)CamiloL.Sabio SecretaryGeneral HouseofRepresentatives

Approved,June17,1992

(Sgd.)CorazonC.Aquino President of the Philippines