SA pagdiriwang ng National Children’s Day, itinulak ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez ang agarang pagpasa ng House Bill No. 10159, o ang Magna Carta for Children.

Ang tema ng pagdiriwang ngayong taon ay “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”

Iginiit ni Speaker Romualdez ang kahalagahan na maprotektahan ang mga bata sa sistematikong karahasan at lumikha ng kapaligiran na naaayon sa kanilang pangangailangan.

“The theme of today’s celebration challenges us to confront the realities of violence and neglect faced by millions of Filipino children,” ani Speaker Romualdez. “The Magna Carta for Children is a proactive step toward ending these injustices and creating a safer, brighter future for our children.”

Ang House Bill No. 10159 ay inaprubahan ng House Committee on the Welfare of Children noong Mayo 13 at nakasalang sa ikalawang pagbasa ng Kamara.

Ang Senate Bill 2612, ang counter part bill ng HB 10159 ay nakabinbin naman sa Senate Joint Committees on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and Finance mula pa noong Marso 19.

Layunin ng panukalang Magna Carta for Children ang paglikha ng komprehensibong framework para protektahan at linangin ang mga batang Pilipino.

“This bill integrates and strengthens existing child protection measures, addressing gaps and ensuring that no child is left behind,” sabi ni Speaker Romualdez. “It is a testament to our collective commitment to uphold children’s rights and to safeguard their future.”

Nais ng panukala na mabura rin ang child labor at ang pagdedeklara ng “zones of peace” para sa mga bata.

“The Magna Carta for Children is more than a piece of legislation — it is an expression of our commitment to secure the rights and dignity of every Filipino child,” dagdag pa ng lider ng Kamara. “By prioritizing their welfare, we prioritize the future of our nation.”

Hiniling din ni Speaker Romualdez ang pag-apruba sa Civil Registration Bill upang matugunan ang problema ng 3.7 milyong Pilipino na hindi rehistrado, batay sa datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority.

“Universal birth registration is a cornerstone of equality and opportunity,” wika pa ni Speaker Romualdez. “It is unacceptable that so many of our children remain invisible to the State, deprived of access to education, healthcare, and legal protections.”

Ang Civil Registration Bill ay inaprubahan na ng House Committee on Population and Family Relations at nakabinbin ngayon sa Committee on Appropriations.

“This measure ensures that every Filipino child is recognized, protected, and given the tools to succeed,” saad pa nito. “It is a step toward a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

Umapela si Speaker Romualdez sa kanyang mga kapwa mambabatas na makiisa sa pagpasa ng dalawang panukala.

“With both measures gaining momentum, legislators have a unique opportunity to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all Filipino children,” sabi pa nito.

“On this day, let me express the 19th Congress’ firm commitment: We will do everything in our power to break the prevalence of violence, end the neglect, and create a safe and equitable Philippines for our children. Their future is our legacy,” dagdag pa ni Speaker Romualdez.