Council backs Magna Carta for children

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has urged Cebuano lawmakers in Congress to champion and fast-track the passage of the proposed Magna Carta of Children of the Philippines, while calling on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The appeal was made by Councilor Jaypee Labella during a privilege speech last Tuesday, following the viral case in Taguig City involving the physical abuse of a three-year-old child by a 20-year-old woman.

“Lisod kayo tan-awon noh? Maayo gani nay naka-video ani,” Labella said as he recalled the disturbing footage that circulated online.

He noted that concerned netizens immediately reported the incident, which led to the arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child.

As a father, Labella admitted he could not finish watching the video.

“I was so angry. Nindot kaayo mubaws kun pwede pa lang,” he said. “All I could think about was my own child who is small, very trusting, and completely dependent on the adults around her to be saved. Dili ko ka imagine kong unsa akong mabati kon kana ang mahitabo sa akong mga anak.”

Labella said what saddened him most was the police account that the child did not cry or ask for help.

“Why? Because the child did not know that it was not normal,” he said. “Tres anyos pa lang ang bata pero para niya, normal ra ang pag-abuso niya, normal na ang kalisang. Imagine that, a child so young, to already have accepted violence as part of everyday life, is so heartbreaking.”

He stressed that child safety should not be treated as a partisan issue but as a shared responsibility among all sectors of society.

“It does not matter that this happened in Taguig because the truth is kaning mga pang-abuso also happens here too. It happens in our barangays. It happens behind closed doors. It happens in homes where children have no voice and no responsible adults,” Labella said.

Citing Republic Act 7610, Labella reminded residents that reporting child abuse is both a moral and civic obligation.

“Reporting child abuse is our moral and civic obligation and the law protects those who report in good faith. Mao na, I call on all responsible adults, kung makakita ka, naa kay mahibaw-an, palihug intawn ug report… Ayaw hulata nga mag-viral on video para maluwas ang bata,” he said.

Labella also appealed directly to Cebuano legislators to support and expedite the proposed Magna Carta of Children.

“Children’s rights are just as important as workers’ rights, students’ rights, single parents, PWDs, and our senior citizens. They cannot vote. They cannot speak on their own behalf. Mao gyud na ang rason kung nganong kita ang mubarog alang nila. Thus I urge our national legislators, particularly those representing Cebu, to champion and expedite the passage of this bill,” he said.

The proposed Magna Carta of Children remains pending in Congress, with several versions of the measure filed but yet to be consolidated or approved.

Following Labella’s speech, the City Council adopted an omnibus resolution urging Cebu City residents to report suspected child abuse cases, directing the Cebu City Police Office to ensure protection for individuals making reports in good faith, and expressing full support for the proposed Magna Carta of Children.

The motion, seconded by Councilor Nice Archival, was unanimously approved by the Council.

“We cannot undo what happened,” Labella said in closing, “but we can make sure the next child, whether in Taguig, Tisa, Mabolo, or anywhere in Cebu, has a fighting chance. Please protect our children, for they’re the future of our country.” (CEBU NEWS)