Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for a Senate investigation into the reported abuse of 156 children under the custody of Pastor Jeremy Ferguson of the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico Pampanga, Inc. (NLBCMPI).
Through Senate Resolution No. 77, Hontiveros stressed that the case highlights the urgent need to strengthen regulations on institutions handling minors. “The reported incident underscores the necessity [for] a comprehensive review of accreditation, monitoring, and regulation mechanisms for public and private institutions that assume custody of minors to prevent similar cases,” she said.
Citing official reports, the senator noted that children in the facility allegedly endured physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. A complaint filed by two 12-year-old boys, backed by their guardians and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), claimed that Ferguson forced them to kneel for long hours, gave them spoiled food, and deprived them of play.
The DSWD also found serious violations in NLBCMPI’s operations, including lack of proper registration and accreditation, exposure of children to fire hazards, financial mismanagement, and improper case handling. This prompted the agency to issue a 30-day cease and desist order.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, emphasized the need to revisit laws such as Republic Act No. 7610 and related statutes. She said stronger safeguards must be in place to ensure the safety and dignity of children in social welfare institutions.
