VM Bebot underscores Golden Justice Zone in fight vs. child trafficking

IN response to the special report of Councilor Desiree Ann Dahino on child trafficking, City Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez underscored the Golden Justice Zone Ordinance, a measure she principally authored.

The ordinance reinforces coordination within the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC)—composed of the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)—and establishes a comprehensive framework to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

VM Bebot stressed that the initiative involves not only national agencies but also partner organizations such as the European Union, as well as the firm support of the local government under Mayor Klarex Uy, who allocated ₱5 million to operationalize the ordinance through the establishment of its office.

With these measures, she expressed confidence that the city can improve tracking mechanisms for missing children while also strengthening preventive safeguards against trafficking.

The vice mayor further stressed that efforts should not stop there, announcing her intention to refile her proposed Anti-Human Trafficking Ordinance to bolster the city’s child protection initiatives. (SPE/SP)