Nepomuceno, chairman of the House committee on civil service and professional regulation, said it is unfortunate that in Cebu City alone, according to the study of the International Labor Organization in coordination with the University of San Carlos, there were 149 children aged 11 to 17 who are engaged in the flesh trade.
Likewise, the nearby cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue have 10 and 22 child prostitutes, respectively. This figure, according to the ILO, does not include those engaged in prostitution in schools, "akyat-barko," and workers in spas and bars.
"These children can easily be spotted because they are considered as ‘freelancers,’ engaging in prostitution while wandering in the streets," Nepomuceno said.
He said a concrete plan should be drawn up and implemented by the government and other sectors of the society.
"It is the constitutional mandate to keep these children away from any form of abuse. They must be sent to schools, undergo counseling, medication and nutrition, be given livelihood opportunities, and be engaged in sports. The creativity of these kids should be harnessed to the fullest," he said.
Nepomuceno said he is optimistic that implementing a well-planned program for the children will push a brighter future for them.
He said having child prostitutes gives a bad name to the country and increases the threat for the spread of the AIDS virus.
"We are a Christian country, we should have compassion for these children and put them in the proper place such as schools. Everybody must do his share for nation-building," he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippines Alliance Against Pornography Inc. (PAAPI) said it will soon meet with Manila councilor Greco Belgica and other organizations to launch a comprehensive action to fight pornography and rehabilitate the young victims.
PAAPI spokesman Boy Blue Filomeno said the pilot project will be in Manila, with Belgica interested in establishing a stronghold versus child pornography in every barangay of the city.
"This is a difficult task, but it is worth the effort, knowing that we can do something to improve our deteriorating moral fiber and nourish the children," Filomeno said.