MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Resolution No. 300 urging the Senate to investigate the so-called “Epstein files” and ensure the Philippines is not exploited as a base for child exploitation or digital cover-up operations.

“Our children must never be exposed to exploitation networks, whether here or abroad. The Epstein files reveal disturbing global operations, and we have a duty to ensure that the Philippines is not used as a platform for concealment or abuse,” Legarda said.

The resolution cites documents from the U.S. Department of Justice showing that Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier convicted of sex offenses, allegedly hired a Philippine-based team in 2010 to manipulate online search results and obscure his criminal record. Epstein ran a global trafficking network and died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial in New York.

Legarda’s resolution calls for government vigilance and accountability, citing the Constitution’s mandate on youth protection, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ASEAN’s Declaration on Online Exploitation, and Philippine laws including RA 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act), RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act), and RA 9208 as amended by RA 10364 and RA 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022).

“These laws are clear: trafficking, child pornography, and concealment of exploitation are crimes. If Filipino individuals or entities were involved in Epstein’s digital cover-up operations, we must investigate thoroughly and hold accountable those who undermine our protections,” Legarda stressed.

The resolution mandates the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to investigate possible concealment and manipulation of facts. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP) are tasked with assessing regulations of internet intermediaries and reputation-management services, while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will engage with the U.S. and other jurisdictions to secure authenticated information.

These agencies are directed to submit a consolidated report to the Senate within 90 days, detailing verified findings including possible involvement of Filipino individuals or entities, applicable legal provisions and liabilities, and recommended legislative or regulatory measures.

“We must strengthen our safeguards to protect victims and to ensure that the Philippines is never exploited as a hub for concealment. This is about accountability, prevention, and compliance with our human rights obligations,” Legarda said.

Through the resolution, the senator said the Senate aims to uncover the extent of any involvement, close potential policy gaps, and ensure the Philippines remains a safe and accountable digital environment for future generations.