YES OR NO : CAN WE FILE A CASE FOR A NEGLECTED CHILD?

‘Yes or No?’: Can We File a Case for a Neglected Child?

Have you seen a child in your neighborhood being hurt and neglected by their own parents? If so, have you ever wondered if you can file a case to help the child?

This question was raised by Annika of the Mariteam during the ‘Yes or No’ segment on the July 28 episode of ‘CIA with BA.’

Co-host Senator Alan Peter Cayetano gave a straightforward answer: “Yes!”

However, he clarified that there are guidelines that need to be followed.

“‘Yung magfa-file ng case, pwede ‘yon pero tatlong responsible citizens. Protection ‘yon kasi baka galit ka lang sa kapitbahay [kaya] baka isumbong mo,” he elaborated.

“On the other hand kung hihigpitan natin kung sino lang pwedeng magsumbong, kawawa naman ‘yung bata kung talaga ina-abuse siya,” he added.

In relation to this, Miko of the Mariteam asked: “Paano po kung wala pang anti-VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desk sa mga barangay, pwede po bang magsumbong sa mga social worker ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) kapag may incidence of VAWC?"

“Yes,” Kuya Alan affirmed. He explained that even if there is an anti-VAWC desk at the barangay hall or a women's desk at the police station, it is still possible to report the situation to a social worker. This provides multiple channels for victims or concerned individuals to seek help and support.

“Meron nang hotline ang ating DSWD at kasama sa guidelines sa kanilang hotline ‘yung mga gender-based violence and violence against women and children incidents. So sa emergency line ng Pilipinas na 911 — national emergency hotline, pwede din do’n,” he said.

‘CIA with BA’ continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.