In observance of World Population Day, “CIA with BA” tackled the role of LGUs in protecting street children. A viewer from Palawan asked if barangays are accountable when street kids are neglected despite reports. Atty. Mark Devoma confirmed LGUs are responsible.
“Meron dapat silang pananagutan kung pababayaan lang nila ang mga batang ito sa kanilang (LGUs) teritoryo,” he said. He explained that the Constitution and various laws task LGUs with ensuring children’s welfare. Devoma cited a DSWD circular detailing a three-step approach: Tawag-Pansin (profiling), Tulong-Tugon (support like psychosocial and educational aid) and Tanggap-Kalinga (protective custody). “Kapag ‘yang mga bagay na ‘yan hindi nagawa, saka po papasok ang pananagutan o liability ng LGUs for failure to implement this kind of policies,” he stressed Asked by host Boy Abunda about immediate steps, Devoma said the priority is removing the child from danger. “That’s the first goal dapat — to act in the best interest of these children,” he added.
“CIA with BA,” hosted by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Boy Abunda, continues the late Senator Rene Cayetano’s advocacy. The program airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with replays Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.
