Bislig now has its own local law against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), and a large part of it is aimed at businesses. Owners of internet cafes, piso-net shops, money remittance centers, malls, hotels, resorts, inns and boarding houses have new duties, and one of them is tied directly to their business permit.

The law is Ordinance No. 2026-26. The Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted it on August 25, 2026, and Mayor Florencio C. Garay approved it on September 7, 2026. It was authored by Councilor Pedrito R. Sulapas, co-authored by Councilors Romeo F. Cacayan and Bernadeth May R. Almanon-Balondo, and sponsored by Councilor Alfredo J. Carmelo and Vice Mayor Conrad C. Cejoco. Its effectivity clause says it takes effect upon approval, 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the city.

Which businesses are covered

The ordinance names mall owners and operators, and owners or lessors of similar establishments such as hotels, resorts, inns, lodging or boarding houses, and internet cafes or kiosks. It defines an internet cafe or kiosk to include machines "such as piso-net." It also gives the city authority to monitor and regulate internet cafes, remittance centers and similar establishments.

A seminar before your permit

All mall operators, internet cafes and kiosks, money remittance centers and the other covered establishments must attend a seminar or orientation on OSAEC before a business permit is issued, whether the application is new or a renewal.

At the discretion of the Business Permit and Licensing Office, a business may get a provisional license of up to three months while it completes the seminar.

CCTV and posters

Covered establishments must:

  • Install and maintain working CCTV systems, following existing laws.
  • Preserve and submit relevant CCTV footage to the PNP, the NBI or other authorities within 24 hours of discovering or receiving a report of a suspected incident on their premises.
  • Prominently display awareness materials on preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation, as the city or the appropriate agency may prescribe.

The 24-hour reporting rule

Owners and operators must notify the Bislig PNP or the NBI within 24 hours of learning that child sexual abuse or exploitation is happening on their premises. Public display of abuse material on the premises is treated as conclusive proof that the owner knew. The ordinance also creates a disputable presumption that owners know, or should reasonably know, when a violation is happening on their property.

The duty to report suspected abuse material or transactions within 24 hours also applies to photo developers, IT professionals, credit card companies, remittance centers, banks and anyone else with direct knowledge.

What happens to violators

A business found violating the ordinance faces suspension of its business permit for a first or second offense and revocation for a third. Government employees who violate it face administrative charges. The ordinance says offenders will be prosecuted under national law, including the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act (Republic Act No. 11930), and that local sanctions do not replace criminal penalties.

The rest of the law

Beyond businesses, the ordinance creates a city Multi-Disciplinary Team chaired by the City Mayor's Office, with the City Social Welfare and Development Office as co-chair. It calls for a Local Child Protection and Response Center with temporary shelter and interview rooms, a room for recorded child interviews, free legal help for survivors, and a minimum of P1 million a year for implementation. It also declares September 4 as Anti-OSAEC Day in Bislig.

Where to report

The ordinance lists these channels for anyone who suspects a child is being abused online:

  • IACAT Action Line: 1343
  • MAKABATA Helpline: 1383
  • The barangay VAW desk officer
  • The City Social Welfare and Development Office
  • The Bislig PNP

Source: City of Bislig, Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 2026-26 (enacted August 25, 2026; approved September 7, 2026), published on the city's Ordinances 2026 page at bislig.gov.ph.