MANIFESTATION OF AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS ON THE RATIFICATION OF THE BILL ON THE SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN SITUATIONS OF ARMED CONFLICT
October 10, 2018

Isang magandang hapon sa ating lahat.

Mr. President, armed conflict has often characterized human history, and the Philippines as a country is no exception. Wars and other forms of armed fighting have shaped our history as a nation. While some say that these terrible events are inevitable, the involvement of children in these armed conflicts speaks of something fundamentally wrong with how these engagements are conducted. Being deeply violative of a child's basic right to a peaceful and caring environment, we are practically depriving them of their childhood. Therefore, it is but just to protect our children from conflicts not of their own making.

Mr. President, it's been more than twenty long years since the filing of the first bill on the protection of children in situations of armed conflict. The years in-between have been marked by important learnings and much anticipation of its passage. Today, I am honored, along with the other authors (Senate President Tito Sotto, Senators JV Ejercito and Grace Poe) and co-authors of the bill to bring this closer to becoming a law. My special thanks also goes to my Senate panel co-conferees, Senators Loren, Grace, JV and Kiko. On the part of the advocates, I would like to give special mention to the Child Rights Network for tirelessly seeing this through.

I share with children's advocates the hope that the signing this Bicameral Conference Committee report in time for the celebration of International Children's Day on November 20 will further shine a light on the meaning and importance of this issue.

Muli, maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga nagtaguyod sa batas na ito.