MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said prosecutors secured the conviction of a mother who sold her child online, following a ruling by a Quezon City court.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 94 found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Details of the offense were not disclosed in line with laws protecting the identity of the victim.

Court records showed the accused initially entered a plea of not guilty but later withdrew it despite being assisted by free counsel from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

“(PAO Atty. Albert) Lanuza manifested that after having conferred with the accused, the latter is willing to withdraw her previous plea of not guilty to the offense,” the decision dated 14 April 2026 and written by Judge Roslyn M. Rabara-Tria read.

The court said the accused’s guilty plea to a lesser offense was made voluntarily, with full understanding of its consequences, and with the agreement of both the prosecution and the complainant, according to the DOJ.

The prosecution panel was composed of Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Angelo P. Yanga, Assistant State Prosecutor Criselda B. Teoxon-Yanga, and Prosecution Attorney Angelica H. Sy, who handled the case leading to its resolution.

The court sentenced the accused to up to six years imprisonment and imposed a fine of PHP15,000.

She was also ordered to pay the victim PHP20,000 each for moral, exemplary, and temperate damages, with interest of six percent per annum until fully paid.