Malaya -- TARLAC Rep Monica Nikki Prieto Teodoro yesterday urged her colleagues in the Lower House to pass House Bill 6440 or the Anti Child Pornography bill on third reading next week.

She said decisive action on the bill will send a strong signal to pedophiles and child pom Website-makers that government is serious about shutting down their activities for good.

Teodoro said the present lack of tough laws against child pornography is perceived as a sign that the Philippines tolerates the sexual exploitation of youngsters.

“The lack ofstringent laws against child pornography and the inefficient prosecution of perpetrators are the key factors that make the Philippines a haven for those who produce use and distribute child pornography,” she said.

HB 6440 institutionalizes the country s sincere effort to safeguard our children and educate everyone on the threat of child pornography as this takes advantage of their innocence and poverty.”