A viral video showing a parent appearing to sell their child online raised questions about whether such acts are legal, prompting discussion on the program Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA).
During its “Tanong ng Pilipino” segment, host Boy Abunda and legal experts addressed whether giving up or selling a child on social media could be lawful.
Attorney Marian Cayetano stated that adoption only becomes legal once it has been processed through government channels. “Nagiging legal ang adoption kapag ito ay dumaan sa proseso—sa DSWD. Hindi po basta-basta pino-post lang sa social media,” she said, noting that transactions involving money fall under trafficking.
“’Yun namang pagbebenta, papasok na siya sa trafficking. ‘Pag ang adoption ay may kapalit na pera, trafficking na ang tawag don,” she added.
Attorney Matt Cesa explained that such posts may also be considered child abuse. “The fact na parang pinapamigay mo na ‘yung anak mo—parang ginawa mong commodity ‘yung bata—ine-exploit mo siya,” he said.
Cesa clarified, however, that abandonment has a separate legal definition, requiring proof that a parent has severed ties and left the child without alternative care.
The panel concluded that adoption must go through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while selling a child constitutes trafficking. Acts that treat a child as a commodity can amount to exploitation and child abuse.
CIA with BA, hosted by siblings Alan and Pia Cayetano with Abunda, continues the advocacy of the late Sen. Rene Cayetano. The program airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with replays Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.
