Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 53)
The main purpose is to strengthen and reorganize the Committee for the Special Protection of Children (CSPC) to effectively coordinate and monitor the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violations of Republic Act No. 7610 and other child-related criminal laws in the Philippines.
The laws mentioned include Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination), RA 9231 (Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labor), RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), RA 9262 (Violence Against Women and Their Children Act), RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act), RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act), and RA 9255 (Allowing Illegitimate Children to Use the Surname of their Father).
The Committee is chaired by the Secretary of Justice.
The CSPC is co-chaired by the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development.
The CSPC covers physically abused children, sexually abused children, children in prostitution, trafficked children, child laborers including worst forms of child labor, children of indigenous peoples, Muslim children, children in situations of armed conflict, abandoned children, neglected children, and others who have experienced abuse, exploitation, and discrimination under RA 7610.
The CSPC is responsible for establishing a system to collect periodic reports on cases, addressing specific issues requiring immediate action, coordinating with other inter-agency councils, developing policies and guidelines to fill gaps, formulating training protocols, calling on other agencies for assistance, submitting annual reports, and performing other duties necessary to protect children's rights.
If any part is held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected remain in force and effect due to the separability clause.
The Secretariat of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) acts as the Secretariat of the Committee.
Law enforcement, particularly timely and adequate investigation and prosecution, is emphasized as crucial in protecting children.
Representatives serve a term of three years, and their appointment can be renewed upon re-nomination and re-appointment.