MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the conviction of a woman who sold an 11-day-old infant for PHP50,000 through a social media page claiming to facilitate child adoption.

The DOJ identified the accused as Mary Grace Espinar y Dalayday, also known as “Grace Ranipse,” who entered a guilty plea to two counts of violating Republic Act 7610, the law protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

Following the plea, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 99, sentenced Espinar to six years of imprisonment for each count, to be served successively. The guilty plea was accepted during a hearing on November 25, 2025.

According to the DOJ, Espinar sold the baby boy through a Facebook group called “Child Adoption Center Philippines” and via Facebook Messenger.

The prosecution team, composed of Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo P. Yanga, Prosecution Attorney Criselda B. Teoxon-Yanga, and Prosecution Attorney Angelica H. Sy, coordinated with the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center and social welfare officers to move the case forward while ensuring the child’s safety.

“Their coordinated efforts led to a plea bargain that secured accountability without putting the young victim through the further emotional stress of testifying in court. This victory highlights the DOJ’s relentless campaign to defend children from abuse in line with the Bagong Pilipinas brand of leadership with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the forefront,” the DOJ said.