New bill targets cyber sex den operators

By: Jester P. Manalastas - Journal online

IN a bid to stop the proliferation of cyber sex scandals, Buhay party-list Rep. Irwin Tieng has filed a measure seeking to penalize the operation of cyber sex dens.

Tieng’s House Bill 6626 bans a person or groups from maintaining or operating a den or any place like house, apartment and condominium for cyber sex activities or exhibition of private acts.

According to the solon, these dens employ minors who are forced to perform sexual acts for ogling foreigners who watch them through the internet for a substantial fee.

The bill, called “Anti-Cyber Sex Den Act,” proposes a penalty of 12 years imprisonment and a fine from P100,000 to P500,000 for violators.

“If minors are employed, operators face the penalty of life imprisonment while government officials face maximum penalties. Foreigners found violating the proposed law shall, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings,” Tieng said.

He noted that with the increasing number of internet hubs and computer shops, cyber crimes also proliferate. Operators remained unpunished due to lack of proper laws that will deal with immoral and indecent acts, the solon said.

Tieng said the government needs to adopt a measure to penalize and eventually curb cyber sex crimes which threaten the morals of Filipinos, especially the youth. Buhay Representatives Rene Velarde and Ma. Carissa Coscolluela co-authored the bill.