Manila: The Senate will revisit several priority measures left pending in the previous Congress, with Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Thursday vowing to refile key legislation focused on child protection and women’s rights under the minority bloc’s legislative agenda. During the regular Kapihan sa Senado media forum, Hontiveros expressed her commitment to reintroduce amendments to significant bills that had reached advanced stages in the 19th Congress but were not enacted into law.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros plans to reintroduce amendments to the Safe Spaces Act, the proposed Magna Carta of Children, and ‘Sandy’s Law’ or the Child Tourist Safety Bill. These measures are critical in addressing modern concerns, especially in protecting vulnerable groups in digital spaces. The amendments to the Safe Spaces Act aim to enhance protections against emerging threats like deepfakes, specifically benefiting women, children, and persons of diverse SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics).

Among the priority measures is the Magna Carta of Children, which seeks to strengthen the rights and welfare of Filipino children, particularly in situations involving disasters, conflict, and abuse. Hontiveros emphasized the need for a robust legal framework to address children’s needs, especially during emergencies.

Hontiveros also reiterated her commitment to refile the Child Tourist Safety Bill, or Sandy’s Law, which aims to tighten safety protocols and liability standards in tourist destinations. This follows reported incidents where children were harmed or lost their lives at tourist spots.

The senator believes these measures remain crucial and hopes that with broader support in the 20th Congress, they can be enacted into law. Despite being in the minority, Hontiveros expressed her determination to champion legislation that safeguards children and women.

Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, looks forward to collaborating with her colleagues to schedule hearings and mobilize inter-agency efforts on these refiled bills.