The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its support for the upcoming Senate investigation regarding the issues surrounding Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI) orphanage in Quezon City.
The inquiry will specifically focus on the cease-and-desist order issued by the DSWD after discovering multiple violations of Republic Act No. 7610, which protects children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution on Monday, calling for an investigation into the closure of GHI, which occurred on May 23 following the DSWD's order.
Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, spokesperson for the DSWD, stated that they welcome Senator Hontiveros' inquiry as it will provide an opportunity for the DSWD to address the concerns regarding Gentle Hands.
"We welcome the planned inquiry of Senator Hontiveros as this will provide the DSWD a forum to answer all the issues regarding Gentle Hands. The DSWD is ready to answer all questions that will be raised such as the CDO, the BFP’s revocation of the GHI’s fire safety certificate, as well as the issue of disruption cases involving adopted kids facilitated by GHI," said the DSWD official.
The Bureau of Fire Protection have also inspected GHI's facility on May 24 and identified several violations of the Fire Code. As a result, the fire safety inspection certificate of GHI was revoked until all violations are rectified by the management.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, stated that the purpose of the inquiry is to review the current policies governing orphanages and child residential care facilities in the Philippines.
"While the safety and adequacy of living standards are important concerns, it is also important to determine whether or not the correct processes were followed in the removal of the children from a child care facility… and whether or not these processes are informed by the best interest of the child doctrine," the senator said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Lopez believes that the planned Senate inquiry will offer an opportunity to clarify the issue and explain the decisions made by the DSWD, all of which prioritize the best interests of the children under their care.
He also acknowledged that the investigation could contribute to the development of appropriate legislation for further safeguarding the protection of children, and the DSWD is ready to cooperate with Senator Hontiveros during the inquiry.
